What happens in an acupuncture consultation?
An acupuncture consultation appointment provides you and your practitioner with time to discuss your symptoms and how acupuncture can be used to help you relieve those symptoms and achieve better health. During the consultation, a physical exam will be performed to provide information about your symptoms, as well as the movements and motions that cause them to occur. You'll also be asked to provide a thorough health history as well as a description of lifestyle habits, like your diet, your physical activity and other factors that could have a bearing on your health and your symptoms. At the end of the consultation, you'll discuss the treatment plan that's recommended for your needs and have plenty of time to ask questions about your care and acupuncture in general.
How does acupuncture work to relieve pain and other symptoms?
The exact underlying mechanism behind acupuncture's efficacy is still being evaluated and studied, but medical researchers believe acupuncture works in several ways to relieve symptoms:
by promoting the release of “feel good” chemicals called endorphins to help relieve pain and other symptoms
by promoting a healthy immune response to relieve symptoms associated with disease or illness
by stimulating nerve conduction to promote the growth of healthy new tissue
by restoring the body's normal balance to promote natural healing and normal function
How many treatments are needed to achieve relief?
Acupuncture is a cumulative treatment, which means each treatment builds on the results of the one before it. The precise number of treatments you'll need will depend on your symptoms and other factors, and it can change during the course of treatment depending on how quickly you find relief. Most treatments begin with twice-weekly sessions, and it's a good idea to devote three to four weeks to treatment to allow the effects to build.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a mainstay of Eastern medicine and holistic care which uses very fine needles inserted into specific points in the body to stimulate the body's natural healing responses. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat both physical and emotional issues, as well as to enhance immunity.
What kinds of conditions can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide array of conditions, including:
back pain
neck pain
hip pain
shoulder pain
fibromyalgia
chronic fatigue
stress and other emotional issues
digestive and gastrointestinal issues
gynecological issues
respiratory conditions
neurological conditions
conditions affecting the eyes, ears, nose and throat
How does acupuncture work to relieve pain and other symptoms?
Although acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, its mechanism is still not entirely understood. Medical researchers believe it works by triggering a healing response which includes the release of chemicals called endorphins, a rebalancing of the body's systems and the stimulation of healthy tissue regeneration.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, the needles we use are sterile, one-time-use, disposable needles for optimal patient safety.
Will treatment hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very, very fine – much finer than those used to inject medicine or withdraw blood – and they're inserted just beneath the skin. Although you may experience some very minor discomfort when the needles are initially inserted, especially if you've never had treatment before, most people report any discomfort that does occur goes away soon afterward.
How many needles are typically used?
The number of needles and their placement points will depend on your symptoms. You can ask about needle placement during your consultation appointment, which will review your custom treatment plan base don your individual needs and goals.
Will insurance cover my treatment?
Many insurance companies do provide coverage for acupuncture services. To determine if your plan offers coverage, call your plan administrator.
