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FAQ

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE & TRADITIONAL EAST ASIAN MEDICINE?

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Traditional East Asian Medicine (Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine) is one of the oldest and most comprehensive medical diagnostic & treatment systems dating back at least 2,500 years (written but practiced longer) from China.  It includes modalities such as acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine.

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Acupuncture is the stimulation of certain points on or near the surface of the body by the insertion of needles to prevent or modify the perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions, including pain control, for the treatment of certain ailments or conditions of the body and includes the techniques of electroacupuncture, cupping and moxibustion (Commonwealth of Virginia).

 

WHAT IS TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL EAST ASIAN HERBAL MEDICINE?

 

Acupuncture is a great treatment modality for issues like pain, headaches & stress.  However, chronic symptoms, women’s health issues & internal medicine issues (digestive, immunity/colds/allergies, anxiety, etc.) respond better and faster with the use of herbal medicine.  Herbs may include plant, animal or mineral products. They are taken over a period of a few days to months (in soup, powder or capsule form) depending on the severity of the issue.

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WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE & TRADITIONAL EAST ASIAN MEDICINE TREAT?

 

I love treating pain, women’s health & overall wellness.

 

However, acupuncture has been shown to have positive effects for the following conditions (see full list at www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scientific-evidence & based on Acupuncture Evidence Project 2017):

 

  • Allergic rhinitis

  • Chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting (with anti-emetics)

  • Chronic low back pain

  • Headache (tension type & chronic)

  • Knee osteoarthritis

  • Migraine prevention

  • Postoperative nausea & vomiting

  • Postoperative pain

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Don't see your condition? Book a consultation to talk about it and how acupuncture & traditional east Asian medicine can help.  Click here to book now.

 

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE AS PAYMENT?

 

No, I do not bill insurance at this time. However, if you have out-of-network acupuncture coverage, I can provide a superbill upon request for you to submit to your health insurance company for possible reimbursement or credit. Acupuncture may also be an eligible expense under your FSA/HSA benefits.

 

Herbal medicine is not covered by insurance.

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HOW MANY TREATMENTS DOES IT TAKE TO ACHIEVE RESULTS?

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The number of treatments depends on: your issue, your goals, how long you’ve been struggling with the issue & your rate of response to treatment.  Remember that acupuncture stimulates your body to heal itself.  Treatment stimulates & trains your nervous system and triggers the release of your body’s pain, stress & inflammation relieving chemicals.  

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DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

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For most people, acupuncture is painless.  You may feel a slight pinch when the needle (some people call them pins or taps) is inserted through the skin, but it will go away after a few seconds. You might feel a dull pressure, heaviness, tingling, aching, soreness, warmth or nothing at all.  

 

Discomfort should go away after a few seconds. If it doesn’t tell your acupuncturist so they can adjust the needle accordingly.  Most people find acupuncture relaxing & some fall asleep during treatment.

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IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?

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Yes! The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the purchase & use of acupuncture needles by licensed acupuncturists only who are qualified practitioners.  Needles are sterilized, non-toxic and for single use only.  There is no medicine on them.  All needles are placed into a sharps container after being used in treatment and disposed of properly & safely.

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