Top Questions
We’re Here for You
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Yes! When performed by a qualified licensed practitioner, acupuncture is one of the safest treatment options available. Acupuncture is a natural therapy with virtually no negative side effects.
Acupuncture needle regulations are extremely strict and do not contain any pharmaceutical agents. Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, flexible, stainless steel, disposable, and similar in appearance to a human hair or piece of thread.
ARE THE NEEDLES SAFE?
Yes they are. Our needles are all GMP(Good Manufacturing Practice) certified. These disposable needles are only for one-time use and we dispose them to a sharp container for our contractors to collect reguarly. Also these needles are sterilized by Gamma ray when manufactured, being made of surgical stainless steel. Furthermore, all staff that handle needles are trained and certified with the Clean Needle Technique course so rest assured!
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
An acupuncture needle is 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. The needles are so thin that it is like a piece of hair. Some people feel nothing when the needle is inserted; others feel a brief moment of fullness, heaviness, tingling and warm or electrical sensation. Different parts of the body have different sensitivity to the needles. “But it’s no big deal,” say many patients.
HOW LONG DOES A TREATMENT SESSION TAKE?
While individual treatment times can vary depending on the specific treatment done as well as the severity of the condition treated, an average treatment will last roughly 75-90 minutes. Please allow for an extended treatment time for your first visit as there will be some paperwork to fill out and some first visit procedures to go through.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
This varies from patient to patient. There is typically a course of treatments, which will be discussed with you upon your initial intake. Some patients do feel improvement after the first treatment; however the majority of improvement is typically noticed between 5-15 treatments.
SHOULD I KEEP MY ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT IF I AM SICK?
Absolutely. Acupuncture can be a wonderful treatment for the symptoms many experience when going through the common cold or the flu. Treatments can often times also relieve the severity of an illness.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING MY VISIT ?
The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis is based upon a thorough examination and consultation. The patient’s current medical condition and medical history are taken into consideration when determining the treatment. The examination also includes the assessment of the patient’s pulse, tongue and ears, etc., which according TCM, reveal a large part about a person’s health. Once a diagnosis is made, the acupuncturist chooses the appropriate acupuncture points for treatment. Each regular treatment needs approximately 30-45 minutes. If it is your first visit, including consultation and treatment, expect to be in the office for approximately 75 to 90 minutes.
CAN I STILL HAVE ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT IF I AM PREGNANT?
Prenatal acupuncture has been used for centuries to promote a healthy pregnancy for both the expectant mother as well as the baby. Prenatal treatments are very safe and often used to strengthen the mother’s body and keep her system in balance through her entire pregnancy.
CAN I RECEIVE ACUPUNCTURE IF I AM RECEIVING ANOTHER TREATMENT OR TAKING MEDICATION?
Absolutely. Acupuncture is a powerful system that can work either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments in a fully integrative approach.
CAN I GET ACUPUNCTURE IF I AM HEALTHY?
Yes. Acupuncture is a medicine that places an emphasis on a healthy lifestyle and prevention. Many will look to acupuncture to optimize and maintain their systems physically, mentally, and emotionally.
HAVE HAD ACUPUNCTURE BEFORE AND IT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME, WHY SHOULD I TRY IT AGAIN?
Due to acupuncture’s cumulative effect, some desired responses that patients look for may not be immediately evident in treatment. Some treatments may require more than a few visits before the desired result is achieved. Furthermore, each practitioner and practice style will be completely unique and therefore, can offer completely different results.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
Most insurance companies have recognized the value of acupuncture and have begun offering coverage for acupuncture services. While we participate with most of the plans that offer coverage, individual benefits will depend on each plan. Please do not hesitate to contact our office should you have any questions regarding your insurance plan.