1. What is Acupuncture?
2. What is Qi?
3. What can affect Qi?
4. What can I expect during my first visit?
5. Why do they want to feel my pulse and look at my tongue?
6. How many treatments will I need?
7. How should I prepare?
8. Does acupuncture hurt?
9. What type of training do acupuncturists get ?
10. Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
11. What can acupuncture treat?

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of natural healing.  Very fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the body to restore the balanced flow of energy.

Back to Top

What is Qi?
Qi is an intelligent form of energy that animates the body and mind and helps protect us from illness.  Health is affected by the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi.

Back to Top

What can affect Qi?
Many factors can influence the balance  and integrity of Qi.  Physical or emotional trauma, stress, diet, overexertion, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and seasonal changes all affect Qi.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to maintaining a healthy flow of Qi.

Back to Top

What can I expect during my first visit? 
During the initial appointment, a full health history will be taken, along with questions about symptoms, health habits, and lifestyle.  Your acupuncturist will also check your pulses at your wrists and look at your tongue.  After all of this, a pattern of where and how your Qi has become unbalanced will emerge.  With this " pattern discrimination" your acupuncturist can formulate a treatment plan.

Back to Top

Why do they want to feel my pulse and look at my tongue?
There are several pulse positions on each wrist.  Each corresponds to a specific meridian and organ system within the body, thus the quality of the pulse is an important clue.  The tongue is like a map of the body, reflecting the general health of the meridians and organs.  Your acupuncturist is looking at the color, shape, size and coating on your tongue....so it is best not to brush or scrape your tongue for at least 24 hours prior to treatment.

Back to Top

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed varies greatly from person to person.  The duration, severity, and nature of your complaint is also a factor.  One or two treatments may significantly improve a short term or acute situation.  A series of 5 or 10 may resolve many chronic problems.  Some types of degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.  In China, one course of therapy is typically 10 treatments.  If the patient requires more treatment, they will probably take one or two weeks off (no acupuncture) then begin another course.  Here in the USA, a good rule of thumb is assess how you feel after 4 treatments....if there is ANY improvement then continue for a course of 10 or as needed.  (Note that the effects of an acupuncture treatment are often realized the day after the treatment or even two days after).

Back to Top

How should I prepare?

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing so that the acupuncture points may be easily accessed.
• Don't eat a very large meal right before your treatment or come to the treatment very hungry.
• Don't overexert yourself for about 6hrs after treatment.
• Get plenty of rest and drink an extra glass of water after your treatment, particularly if cupping or gua sha was used.

  Back to Top

Does acupuncture hurt?
The sensation caused by the acupuncture needles varies from person to person, but any initial discomfort should quickly diminish.  If it does not, inform your acupuncturist right away as this is easy to correct.  Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called the "Qi sensation." All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. Most of the needles are inserted without any sensation at all.  Some of the more powerful points will cause a dull ache or a tingle that will quickly subside.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Will my insurance cover acupuncture? 
Insurance coverage varies greatly so it is best to call your insurer and ask:

1. Will my plan cover acupuncture?
2. If so, by whom and are there conditions?
3. How many visits per year?
4. Do I need an MD's referral?
5. Do I have a co-pay?
6. Is there a deductible and has it been met?<

Back to Top

What can acupuncture treat?
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. Here is a list of a few health concerns that acupuncture has been effective in treating:

Back to Top