Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Expect from an Acupuncture Treatment?

On the first treatment, a complete intake is taken, which includes obtaining a thorough history of a patient’s health and chief complaints, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory tests if necessary. The acupuncturist uses diagnostic techniques, including pulse-taking – the three pulse positions on each wrist correspond to the major body organs – and observing the tongue, complexion and other signs.

Modern acupuncture needles are made from very fine stainless steel and are from one to three inches long. They are pre-sterilized, non-toxic and disposable. Ten to 20 needles are placed in acupoints per treatment and retained for between 20 and 40 minutes depending on the issue, age and condition of the patient.

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Are Needed?

The number of treatments needed to treat a particular complaint varies with each person, depending on the severity and duration of the condition and his/her level of overall health. Two to three treatments may be sufficient for an acute condition, while a series of more may be needed for chronic conditions. It is also wise to have regular treatments once the body is healthy to keep it in harmony and prevent disease.

Does Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

More and more insurance companies are including acupuncture in their policies because they are seeing that it works. Acupuncture Healing and Natural Medicine works with a number of insurance providers.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

The tiny needles in acupuncture are the thickness of a hair. When they are inserted, it is important that the patient feels a warmth, tingling, a dull ache, or a pulling sensation which means that the energy has been engaged. Occasionally points may feel sore when a needle is inserted but this only means that the point is really needed. This can happen in the case of pain treatments when releasing blocked energy can mean there is an initial feeling of discomfort at a point, but this soon disappears.

How Deeply Are the Needles Inserted?

The depth of insertion can vary depending on the point used, the size and constitution of the patient, the season of the year and the nature of the illness. Most needles are inserted just below the skin or between the muscles. Commonly the depth varies from 1mm to about 2cm.

Are There Any Dangers Associated with Acupuncture?

Acupuncture does not cause damage to the nerves, blood vessels, muscles or any other body system. There is no danger of contracting disease as all needles are used on one patient only and are disposable.

What Should I Expect After a Treatment?

Some patients feel more energetic or more relaxed after a treatment, depending on the specific type of treatment given, and the condition of the patient. Improvement often does occur after the first treatment. With each treatment, the patient’s individual constitution is strengthened as well as any acute problem that is being treated.