Question 1

What is involved in an acupuncture session?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture session starts with the patient's medical history, extensive objective and subjective assessment in order to properly identify various problems and the state in which the body’s Qi is functioning whether balanced or unbalanced, access or deficient. After the intake is completed and a treatment plan is formed and the patient is asked to partially undress and lay down on the table. Using clean needle technique, acupuncture therapists will then prepare each chosen point and insert very fine, brand new/single use, sterile surgical steel needles into acupuncture points in order to regulate qi/stimulate tissues through specific regions of the body. As the patient relaxes, the practitioner may gently rotate the needles or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to improve results.

Question 2

How long is a session and continuation?

Accepted Answer

Typically, the acupuncture session with first initial body assessment and consultation takes about 90 minutes. Follow up session generally takes 60 minutes. Needles are retained in the body for 25 minutes after insertion. If acupuncture protocol calls for tissue manipulation - Tuina massage or Cupping will be added which can take additional 15 to 30  minutes.

Question 3

Does acupuncture hurt?

Accepted Answer

Generally no, but occasionally if needle is inserted too close to a nerve it can generate some pain. In this case, the therapist can easily readjust or reinsert the needle to achieve patients comfort level.

Question 4

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

The most common benefits of acupuncture are relaxation, better sleep, increased energy, mental clarity, better digestion and decreased stress levels.

Question 5

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Accepted Answer

The most common conditions that can be treated by acupuncture are chronic pain and inflammation, digestion disorders, headaches, respiratory disorders, sciatica, immune support, stress & anxiety, arthritis, infertility, hormonal imbalances, insomnia, fatigue, emotional conditions, urinary conditions, vertigo, allergies, and many more!

Question 6

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

There are over two hundred ICD-10 codes of different diagnoses that insurance billing uses for covering acupuncture treatments. Currently we are not in network with health insurance but we can always provide a superbill receipt upon request. Superbill contains all needed information for received acupuncture services and allows patients to submit and request their insurance provider for direct reimbursement.

Question 7

Are there any risks to acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, acupuncture could start labor and cause premature delivery. At our clinic, we do not treat pregnant patients. Please be aware that any medical treatment that inserts a needle into the skin can result in soreness and bruising.  However, the bruising is minute and is not a threat to overall health. Most bruising will go away in a few days, to about a week, some skin discoloration may take longer to go away. People with severe bleeding disorders should avoid getting acupuncture.

Question 8

How many needles are used in an acupuncture session?

Accepted Answer

Usually 4 to 19 needles are used in a session.

Acupoint wellness

Page Title