WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been safely and effectively practiced for more than 3,000 years to help people suffering from various acute and chronic disorders to regain and maintain health. Acupuncture is done by inserting sterilized (disposable) hair- thin needles into the specific points on the surface of the body to promote natural healing and improve physiological functions.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
According to Chinese medicine, there is life sustaining energy, known as “Qi” flowing in our bodies in different channels known as meridians that connect all the major organs in our bodies. This vital energy guides our growth, development, movement and protects us from illness and disease. When the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians is blocked or become unbalanced, our health and quality of life can be negatively affected and illness will occur. Health is promoted when Qi in the body is robust and moving properly.
By inserting the needle at the specific points along the pathways, the needles “unblocked” the obstructions in energy flow and the Qi is restored to balance. Your body’s self-healing abilities reach their maximum potential and you feel better physically and mentally.
The scientific explanation is that the acupuncture needling at the specific points stimulates the body to release chemical in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or will trigger the release of other biochemical and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. In simple terms, acupuncture influences the body’s various systems: neurological, hormonal, circulatory, digestive, muscular and mental to balance itself.
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY INSURRANCE?
Some insurance companies provide benefit of acupuncture. We are in-network acupuncture provider of Highmark, Capital Blue and VA . We are also the acupuncture provider for Humana, UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members. Please call your insurance company to find out your acupuncture benefits.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Yes!! Acupuncture is safe. The needles are sterile, single-use and disposable. The insertion of acupuncture needles rarely causes bleeding or bruising.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the thickness of a piece of hair. Some patients feel nothing when the needle is inserted while some patients feel a tight pinch when the needle is inserted. This feeling fades away within a second. Some patients feel a brief moment of fullness, tingling or electrical sensation during insertion. Different parts of the body have different sensitivity to the needles. Once the needles are in place, patients have reported feeling very relaxed. Some patients feel energized and some patients fall asleep. Each person’s experience is different. Should you feel any discomfort, inform the practitioner and the needle will be adjusted accordingly.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient. It depends on the age, the nature of the condition and the response to the treatments. Generally fewer treatments are needed for acute conditions, while more treatments are needed for chronic conditions. There is typically a course of treatments, which will be discussed with you during your initial intake and evaluation. Consistency and persistency of receiving treatments is important in maintaining the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY TREATMENT?
Your stomach should not be too full or too empty prior to the treatment. It is recommended to have a light to moderate meal a couple hours before the treatment. Avoid strenuous exercise 2 hours prior the treatment. Wear loose and comfortable clothes
HOW LONG IS EACH APPOINTMENT?
The initial appointment usually takes 1.5 hours. Follow-up appointments take about 45 minutes.
HOW CAN I GET THE MOST BENEFIT OUT OF EACH TREATMENT?