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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is Chinese Medicine?
- Chinese medicine has been practiced for over 4,000 years and is used
extensively throughout the world. It is a system in which the entire body is
treated, not just the symptoms. The goal is to attain balance between the
body's two forces, yin and yang, thereby achieving and maintaining good
health. There are several modalities which are included in the art of
Chinese medicine: herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping, qi gong, tui na,
nutrition and the most popular, acupuncture.
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- What is Acupuncture?
- Acupuncture is a simple procedure in which needles are gently placed in
specific places in the body to balance the body's energy, called "qi"
(pronounced "chee"). From a western standpoint, acupuncture points (or
"nodes") are small areas which can access blood circulation, nerves, muscles
and even the hormonal system.
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- Does Acupuncture Hurt?
- Not usually.
A very gentle needling technique is used and the sensation experienced from
an acupuncture needle is nothing like that of a hypodermic needle. In fact,
acupuncture needles are one-tenth the thickness of a hypodermic needle. Most
patients do not mind the needles and love coming in for their treatments.
The needles are 100% sterile and are disposed of after the first use.
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- How does acupuncture work?
- Acupuncture has been around for over 4,000 years, and works on the
principals of the flow of qi (energy), and the balance of yin and yang in
the body. Qi moves through acupuncture points which are organized into
meridians. Acupuncture helps “move the qi” through the meridian system,
helping to eliminate energy blockages or to bring more energy to any
particular area in the body. According to western medicine, acupuncture
promotes circulation, affects hormones, affects the blood, bones and nerves,
reduces inflammation. While acupuncture affects all of these things, it does
much more. The acupuncture point prescription your acupuncturist uses for
you directs your qi to whatever areas need it the most.
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- Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture
treatment?
- Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits
from your treatment.
 | Make sure to eat something light an hour or two before arriving |
| Wear loose fitting clothes |
| Bring a list of medications you are taking |
| If you have xrays or MRI's, please bring them as well |
- Differences between an L.Ac. and an MD practicing Acupuncture
- Find out the facts at
www.medicalacupuncturefacts.com
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- What Can Acupuncture Treat?
- The World Health Organization of the United Nations has identified over
40 medical conditions which are effectively treated with acupuncture.
Acupuncture is known for treating pain conditions such as migraines,
sciatica, low back pain, and indigestion. It also treats gynecological
problems such as PMS, infertility, and menopause. Acupuncture is also
especially effective in areas where Western Medicine is not effective, such
as viral infections and chronic conditions.
+ More
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- What Can I Expect At My First Treatment?
- Upon arriving for your first visit, you will complete a simple
questionnaire providing details about your condition. You will discuss your
answers privately with your acupuncturist. In Chinese medicine, the
diagnostic system is different from that of western medicine. It includes an
examination of your tongue, taking your pulses, and a few other simple
observations. After looking at the whole "picture", a diagnosis will be
arrived at, which will determine what point prescription and modalities will
be used.
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- How Many Treatments Will It Take To Get Results?
- The number of treatments needed to get results will depend on the
severity of your condition, and how long you have had the condition. An
average course of acupuncture treatments could range from 8 to 15. Some
conditions warrant less treatments, some may require more.
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- Does insurance cover acupuncture?
- While the many benefits of acupuncture are becoming known, many
insuarance companies still do not cover acupuncture. Those that do often
charge an additional fee to carry that on your policy. Because Acupuncture
is often not considered to be medically necessary by many insurance carriers
charges must be paid at the time of each visit. If your insurance
company does provide coverage for acupuncture performed by a licensed
acupuncturist, we are more than happy to bill your insurance company
directly.
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- What if I am in an auto accident?
- "No Fault" does cover acupuncture. You may call your insurance company
or we would be happy to call them for you to verify coverage.
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- What if I am injured on the job? Is acupuncture covered under
Workers' Compensation?
- Workman's Compensation in the state of New York will occasionally cover
acupuncture however.... it is a process to get approval. Once we
have your information, we will submit a "letter of medical necessity" and
request approval. (getting a referral from another doctor can help with the
process). If they approve the treatments, it is usually for a limited
number (ie. 10). Since there is no guarantee that workman's comp will
reimburse, until we receive the claim # and referral letter from them you
would either need to wait until that occurs or pay out of pocket for your
treatments.
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