Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can be treated by acupuncture?
Many conditions can be treated. Among the most responsive are: musculo/skeletal problems such as sciatica, low back pain and arthritis, menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome, infertility, endometriosis, morning sickness, circulatory problems like high or low blood pressure, cold hands and feet, nervous system imbalances, especially anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness or depression, ADD/ADHD, asthma, allergies and sinus problems, and digestive disorders including Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea and constipation. In addition, I often treat headaches, vertigo, sports and stress injuries, skin problems, immune system disorders, fatigue, chronic pain and side effects from chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Acupuncture has been found to be especially useful for detoxification from addictive substances such as drugs, alcohol, cocaine, caffeine and cigarettes.
How does acupuncture help healthy people?
Acupuncture is helpful in the prevention of disease by improving the patient's state of well being through energy balance. This way, the stresses of everyday life are more easily handled, and minor health issues can be resolved before they become more deeply rooted problems.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Minimal discomfort, if any, can be expected during an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and flexible. Many people are surprised to learn that seven acupuncture needles can fit inside the shaft of one hypodermic needle. Although sensation can be felt on the skin's surface during needling, most would not describe it as pain. In fact, many patients enjoy the sensation.
Will acupuncture benefit someone who is very skeptical?
Yes. The healing process will not be affected in any way by the patient's skeptical attitude.
Is acupuncture effective on children?
There is no age limit. Often, young children respond quite well to moxa alone or with a very minimal use of needles. There are also special pediatric acupuncture devices which merely tap the skin surface and are quite painless.
Will my acupuncture treatments be covered by medical insurance?
Payment in full is requested at the time of treatment either by check, debit, major credit card, (I accept Visa, MasterCard), or cash. Many of our patients receive reimbursement from their insurance companies. It is best to consult your insurance company before making an appointment to determine the specifics of your coverage. I will assist you by providing itemized receipts.
Are herbs safe?
Herbs are very safe to use when they are prescribed by a knowledgeable and trained herbal practitioner and taken under close supervision. Receiving herbs from untrained personnel, is generally not good practice.
Can Chinese herbs interact with any other medication I am taking?
It is possible to have herb-drug interaction. You must notify your practitioner of any and all medications you are taking, be they prescription, or over-the-counter. It is very important to only take herbs which have been prescribed by a trained practitioner who can discern what may be a harmful combination and prescribe alternate herbs to better suit your needs.
When is the best time to take my herbs?
Herbs usually work best on an empty stomach. Allow at least a half hour after taking herbs before eating or taking additional medicine. If you are taking pills/powders, swallow them with warm water to help digest and absorb the medicine. There are exceptions which your practitioner will notify you about and instruct you on the best way to take your herbs
What is cupping?
Cupping involves the application of glass cups to specific areas of the body; this is achieved by holding a small flame inside the cup to create a vacuum. This causes the skin to be sucked up into the cup encouraging the flow of Qi and blood and clearing local stagnation. Cupping therapy stimulates the sensory nerves in the skin, and helps to break up fascial adhesions in the surface tissue. It is a particularly useful therapy for the treatment of muscular aches and pains such as back ache, frozen shoulder and so on. It is also useful when one is attempting to ward off a cold.
Can acupuncture and herbs help me stop smoking?
Yes. Acupuncture and herbs can be an effective form of treatment to stop smoking. Acupuncture and herbology can significantly reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, sleeping disorders, irritability, agitation, anxiety and other common side effects associated with quitting.
Can Western and Chinese Medicine be combined?
Yes. Modern medical wisdom suggests that we combine what is useful from each source. Because Chinese medicine addresses the underlying cause of a condition rather than just the symptoms, it is often helpful to treat conditions generally unresponsive to western drug-oriented treatment. Examples include PMS, headache, vertigo, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, etc. Conversely, some conditions, most notably bacterial infections and conditions with structural changes, e.g., fractures or tumors, respond more rapidly to Western techniques. Very frequently the two methodologies can be combined to the patient's greater benefit. Here are some examples: In the treatment of high blood pressure, acupuncture and herbs, along with dietary salt-restriction, can decrease the amount of anti-hypertensive medication required for blood pressure control. This approach also works for respiratory conditions like asthma in which the Chinese medicine allows the patient to decrease dependence on steroidal inhalers. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are used successfully to offset some of the side-effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, fatigue and a weakened immune system, during the treatment of cancer or AIDS. In summary, a pragmatic, broad-based approach that acknowledges the strength of each kind of medicine, allows for the choice of the best treatment options for each individual patient.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please provide 24 hours notice of appointment cancellation. You will be charged the full fee if proper notification is not given.
