Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?
The sensations that patients experience during acupuncture range from nothing at all to a brief ache or heaviness in the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. By and large patients describe the sensations as fleeting and deeply relaxing. 

Why would I see an acupuncturist?
Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical conditions. What often begins as a concern over several symptoms often transforms into deep personal healing that reaches far beyond the physical condition. The greatest reason to begin acupuncture treatment is to recover and cultivate your awareness of the tremendous healing power of your body. Acupuncture awakens the senses and offers the possibility of deep healing of the body, mind and spirit. Many patients experience increased clarity, creativity and deeper meaning in their day-to-day lives. 

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Consult your insurer for the terms of coverage on your policy. I am not an in-network provider, I will provide you with an invoice you can submit for out-of-network services. Full payment is required at the time of treatment.

Are the needles safe?
Yes. Sterile disposable needles are used. They are used once and then disposed of immediately.

Are there different styles of acupuncture?
There are many styles of acupuncture. The primary distinction exists within the diagnostic process and the corresponding treatment planning process. To learn more about the distinction between various forms acupuncture, please call me at the telephone displayed on the top of my website.

Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?
Absolutely not. Many patients come for regular treatments to achieve increased effectiveness and enjoyment at work. Many others come to help deepen their relationships with others. Acupuncture is also a powerful preventative measure to keep patients healthy throughout the year. 

How frequently do I need to come to benefit from treatment?
Following the initial consultation, ideally you will be seen in weekly one-hour sessions for 6-8 visits. During this time, significant signs of progress will likely appear. As patients experience improvement in their condition and enjoy a greater sense of ease in life, treatments may be extended to every other week, every three weeks, monthly and eventually seasonally. The frequency of treatments varies with each individual. Strict adherence to patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.

I want to come for treatment, what do I do next?
Contact me at the telephone number displayed on the top of my website. We will discuss your concerns and schedule an initial visit. During your first visit we will explore a treatment schedule that will best meet your needs. 

How do I get the most out of each treatment?
Be sure to eat well before coming to treatment. Avoid caffeine in coffee, tea, or sodas during the day of treatment. Avoid intense physical activity before or after your scheduled treatment. 

How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine hair thin needles on or near the surface of the skin in acupuncture points. When stimulated, these acupuncture points have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological functions. With the release of various hormones and neurotransmitters primarily from the brain, a wide variety of disorders that are physical, mental and emotional are affected. 

This highly effective system of medical care is based on natural laws, which govern the movement of vital life giving energy, both in nature and in the body. This energy, called Qi (chee), moves through the body in precise channels supporting functions of the body, mind and spirit. When the Qi is moving disharmoniously, imbalance begins to surface in the form of specific symptoms. To address the underlying cause of a condition, these symptoms are viewed in relationship to the totality of a person in order to explore the root cause of a condition or illness. These channels can be likened to the pathways of the nerves, blood vessels and muscles where blockages can occur. The gentle insertion of the needles at specific points along the channels help restore harmony at the deepest level of the body, mind, and spirit. In the presence of this subtle yet profound intervention, symptoms often resolve and patients frequently experience deep personal transformation.

Research and Publications
American Society of Acupuncturists
Society for Acupuncture Research
Evidence Based Acupuncture