Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.

An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the body’s Qi and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity and physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits with your acupuncturist may last from thirty to ninety minutes.

Pulse taking in Traditional Chinese Medicine is a process of feeling the quality of blood flow as well as the rate and rhythm and this provides further information to the practitioner about your health balance. Acupuncturists will feel your pulses at both wrists during your initial and also at subsequent visits to monitor your balance of energy flow and to assess response to treatment.

The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. In some conditions, acupuncture alone may not be enough to achieve desired results.

Yes. In most instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tuina.  Other techniques such as cold laser therapy can be used also.

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve desired results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.

Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.

Rates vary depending on time length and what type of treatment is delivered.   It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.

Insurance coverage varies based on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Payment for services is expected at time services are rendered.  However, the office can provide you with an insurance receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Here are a few questions to ask your insurance representative regarding coverage:

• Will my plan cover acupuncture?
• How many visits per calendar year?
• Do I need a referral?
• Do I have a co-pay?
• Do I have a deductible?
• If yes, has it been met?

• Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
• Have a snack or small meal within 3 hours of your appointment time. Do not eat a LARGE meal                just before or immediately after your visit.
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
• Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain,           pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

Today in the United States, entry level practice for acupuncturists requires a master degree and acupuncturists undertake comprehensive training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national board exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat: