Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture
What does acupuncture treat?
Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive health care system that can treat any illness. Some conditions respond especially well to acupuncture. These include:
Muscle Pain (back, neck)
Women’s Health (PMS, fertility, fibroids, menopause, etc)
Headaches
Insomnia
Anxiety
IBS and other digestive issues
Joint Pain
Bell’s Palsy
Chronic Fatigue
Auto-immune Conditions
Almost any ailment can be treated with some form of Chinese Medicine, but we will be honest with you in assessing your particular case. If we do not believe that acupuncture will be effective for you, we will let you know that from the beginning.
Consultations are always free so call us today to see how Acupuncture might help you.
What can I expect from my visit?
We realize that the physical and emotional cannot be separated. On your first visit your acupuncturist will conduct a thorough health history to better understand not only your ailment, but how it is effecting YOU and your life day to day.
Your acupuncturist may take your pulse or ask to see your tongue. These are our version of “lab tests.” The color of the tongue and the quality of the pulse tell us important things about the inner workings of the body. We use this information to further tailor your specific acupuncture session. At this point your acupuncturist will discuss if herbal medicine is something that will benefit your condition.
After discussing your health history and making a diagnosis, the needles are inserted. The needles should not be painful, and if they are uncomfortable in any way, please let your practitioner know so that the appropriate adjustments can be made.
Once the needles are inserted the patient is left to rest on the table for about 25-30 minutes. Your practitioner will check in with you periodically to make sure that you are comfortable. After the needles are removed, the acupuncturist may perform cupping if applicable to your condition. Your practitioner will discuss any therapies with you before they are performed and any therapies performed are included in the cost of the session.
After an acupuncture session most people feel very relaxed, like after a great massage. You’ll want to avoid any strenuous activity after acupuncture, but walking or normal household activities are fine. More vigorous work outs should be done before your session or the day after.
Most people will leave the session feeling an improvement in their condition, but like any therapy acupuncture may require several sessions to achieve maximum results.
How many visits will I need?
The number of visits needed is based on the severity of the condition. An acute injury, such as a recent sprain, may require only a few visits over a couple weeks. More complex ailments may require 2-3 months of weekly or bi-monthly treatments.
Acupuncture is not a miracle or some ancient form of voodoo. It’s a therapy, and like any therapy it requires ongoing treatment for it to be fully effective. However, most people leave feeling better after their first visit and results build with each session. The goal with Chinese Medicine is to help the body cure itself, not just mask symptoms with pharmaceuticals.
The Eastern model of medicine views the body from a model of wellness not disease. After we get your health to a stable condition, we encourage people to come in monthly for wellness visits to boost the immune system, manage anxiety and mitigate any pain in the body before it occurs.
Will it hurt?
Short answer: no.
Long answer: sometimes but only for a second.
Acupuncture needles are hair thin and many times people do not feel them at all. Some points can be more reactive and you may feel a sensation as the needed is inserted. However, after a few seconds the sensation will pass and you should not feel any discomfort as you rest on the table with the needles inserted.
Most people find an acupuncture session very relaxing and come out of it feeling like they just got a great massage.
How much does it cost?
Will insurance cover acupuncture or massage?
Many insurance plans cover acupuncture and massage. We are in network with all of the major insurance companies. If your plan does cover acupuncture we are happy to bill on your behalf and you will be responsible for your standard co pay. Contact our office to find out if your particular health insurance plan covers acupuncture.
For those without insurance, the cost of an acupuncture session or a one hour massage is $95. This includes gratuity, initial consultations, cupping or any other therapy that may be done during the session.
We offer cash discounts for those who qualify. We believe that everyone should have access to affordable health care and we will work with you to come up with a price that fits your budget.
Pricing
Acupuncture $95
One hour massage $110
Half hour massage $55
One hour hot stone massage $125
Herbal Medicines
Will I need to take herbs?
Many conditions, such as musculoskeletal issues will require no herbal intervention. Internal conditions, such as IBS, fertility or migraines often require herbal supplementation for a period of time. During your initial consultation your acupuncturist will discuss herbal options if applicable to your condition.
When prescribing Chinese herbs we seek to treat the underlying cause of the condition, while also managing uncomfortable symptoms. Because we seek to cure the problem not just mask it, herbs are not something that need to be taken forever. Depending on the condition, most rounds of herbal therapy last 2-3 months. Unlike western pharmaceuticals, herbs have no side effects because they are kept in their whole form.
While some conditions do respond best with a combined acupuncture/herbal approach, herbs are never required. Also, herbal consultations are available for those who wish to take herbs without needling.
Generally, the cost of herbs is not covered by insurance. We use only the freshest and most high quality herbs that are grown in the United States and meet FDA standards.
Breathwork Meditation
What is Breathwork Meditation?
Most of us spend a lot of time worrying about the future, ruminating over the past or engaging in behaviors that help us avoid our emotions. Using a two-part breathing technique, accompanied by a hand selected playlist, this somatic style of meditation gives the overactive mind something to "do" while allowing us to feel emotions that are often locked up inside our mind and body. The breather will instantly feel their nervous system come alive as they oxygenate the bloodstream stimulating the hypothalamus gland which releases serotonin, the feel good hormone, into the body. Breathers often have "ah-hah" moments during or post practice as this is often the only time they feel relief from the day-to-day life stressors.
Breathwork is an active form of meditation which offers many benefits that may include but are not limited to:
Enhanced Intuition
Greater Mental Clarity
Deep Relaxation
Balance and Harmony in Mind and Body
Deeper and More Sound Sleep
Decreased Anxiety
Ability to Handle Stressful Situations with Grace and Ease
Forgiveness of Self and Others
Side effects include: gratitude, uncontrollable smiling and an endless well of self-love