Are acupuncture needles safe and clean?
Does acupuncture hurt?
What conditions are treated?
How many treatments are necessary?
Does insurance cover the treatments?
Where can I learn more about acupuncture?
Are acupuncture needles safe and clean?
Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a competently trained, licensed professional. There is virtually no danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. Since acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a human hair, many people feel no pain at all. Some people feel a little pain as the needles are inserted, and others may experience some tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of qi (energy) moving up and down the channels. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment.
What conditions are treated?
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of over 40 common disorders such as:
1) Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders: toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis
2) Respiratory Disorders: colds & flus, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema
3) Gastrointestinal Disorders: food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, colitis
4) Circulatory Disorders: hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris
5) Urogenital Disorders: cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy
6) Gynecological Disorders: menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome
7) Musculoskeletal Disorders: tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia
8) Psycho-emotional & Neurological Disorders: depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostal neuralgia, post-stroke paralysis, dizziness, tinnitus
Additionally, acupuncture has been used for centuries throughout Asia to treat hundreds of other problems.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments needed will vary from person to person and will depend on the duration, severity, and nature of the problem. Some people experience immediate relief, while others may take months or even years to achieve results. Generally speaking, acute conditions may resolve with 1-2 treatments, a series of 5-10 treatments may resolve many chronic problems, while some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time. To help reduce the number of treatments necessary, the practitioner may suggest dietary modifications, specific exercise regimes, relaxation techniques, self-massage, and/or Chinese herbal medicine that can help bring the body back into balance.
Does insurance cover the treatments?
At this time, most insurance companies do not cover acupuncture treatments. However, if you suspect that your insurance company may offer reimbursement or you have a flexible spending account, you should call the number on the back of your insurance card to verify these benefits and find out the type of information you must gather and submit. We would be happy to provide any receipts or documentation pertaining to your visits required by your insurance company.
Where can I learn more about acupuncture?
Acupuncture.com
An online newsletter with information on Chinese medicine, health and wellness.
Acupuncture Today
Provides good basic information about acupuncture as well as the latest news on regulatory changes, acupuncture research, and clinical discoveries.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Information on acupuncture from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
World Health Organization (WHO)
Information on acupuncture and traditional medicine from the World Health Organization.
Mayo Clinic
Information on acupuncture from the Mayo Clinic.
Ying Yang House
Comprehensive information on acupuncture and a great resource for the very curious patient or aspiring acupuncturist.