Frequently Asked Questions
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, when preformed by a licensed acupuncturist. I use sterile- disposable one time use needles that are individually packaged. Please inform the practitioner if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, as there are acupuncture points to avoid during pregnancy.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed to resolve your condition will depend on the severity, how long you have had this condition/injury and your lifestyle (including diet, exercise, work and home life). A change can occur in the body in as little as one treatment and accumulates over the course of your treatment plan. In our first session we will discuss a treatment plan and how to space your visits to best serve you.
For acute pain, I suggest 3-5 visits close together to promote healing and recovery.
For chronic pain, I suggest 3-5 visits close together and after re-evaluation spreading your appointments out. 1x every 2 weeks or 1x month.
What can I expect from my first treatment?
We will meet for 75 minutes. I will go over your health history and address your concerns. I will ask many questions about the different systems in your body. I will also check your pulses on your wrist and look at your tongue. All of this will help me form a diagnosis to help treat. I may do specific muscle testing to help identify muscle groups to treat for pain/ injury. A treatment will be included ranging from 20-45 minutes.
How long will my results last?
It varies based on the individual. My goal with my patients is to get them feeling better. I prefer to see a patient more often in the beginning and spread appointments out once the patient is feeling better. My goal is to get patients to a point where they are at a reduced pain or no pain at all. If the patient experiences any pain, perhaps they are able to recover quicker. I also look at how the patients symptoms are interfering with their lives. If the patient can return to normal activites this is a good sign that healing is happening.
Do you accept insurance?
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United Healthcare (UHC).
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VA( Through Tri-west). Tri-west requires per-authorization prior to your visit.
If you plan to use UHC, send me your member ID and DOB (date of birth) before your appointment to check your acupuncture benefits. Your appointment is subject to being canceled if you do not do this beforehand.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, HSA/ FSA and all major credit cards.
What is gua-sha?
Using stone or soup spoon, this tool is used to "scrape" the skin in order to bring sha(red/purple petechiae) up to the surface to vent heat. This technique is useful for cold and flu associated with a fever. Also, this adjunct can be useful for pain related conditions.
What is cupping?
I use cupping for pain relief to break up qi/blood stagnation and allow for increased blood flow to the area. I use fire cupping in my practice, which utilizes glass cups and fire. You will feel the suction of the cup for this type of cupping. Rarely, I will use wet cupping which is by taking a lancet to break the skin and a cup will placed over the break to draw blood up into the cup. It might sound painful but it is not. Most patients love cupping and find it helpful for pain relief.
What is plum blossom?
The plum blossom tool is a plastic hammer with seven needles on the head (a small tool not like your hammer at home). Most are about 15.5 cm long . It us used to stimulate acupuncture points where there is stagnant energy. A light tapping techniques is used over the point in order for sha(redness/petechiae) to come to the surface.
What is moxibustion?
Artemesia vulgaris-Chinese Mugwort- is a type of heat therapy used in cases of deficiency, heat, postpartum, illness and to build resources. It warms and invigorates the flow of qi and dispels pathogens. It is one of my favorite adjuncts to use in treatment.
What is electro-stimulation?
Electrical stimulation is used to produce changes in the body tissue directly related to your cell membranes. The electrical current stimulates nerve pathways, muscles, tissues and chemical changes
A device is used to generate continuous electrical stimulation to acupuncture points. Leads (cords) are connected to the device which are clipped to the acupuncture points in need of stimulating. This technique is used for pain relief, scalp acupuncture and sports injury. If you have a history of epilepsy or a pace maker this adjunct is prohibited.