• What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
• What can I expect?
• Does acupuncture hurt?
• How many treatments will I need?
• How long will each session take?
• How do I prepare for treatment?
• How much does a treatment cost?
• What forms of payment do you accept?
• What kinds of ailments can acupuncture treat?
• Where can I get more information about acupuncture?

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the one of the oldest continually practiced systems of medicine in the world. Safe, effective, and virtually painless, it can treat a wide variety of conditions.

TCM is a holistic approach to health care which views each body as unique. Through acupuncture, herbs and proper nutrition, Chinese Medicine can help restore the body’s proper balance and flow of energy, while strengthening its defenses. For these reasons, recipients of TCM improve their health and gain a general sense of well-being.

What can I expect?

During your first office visit, the acupuncturist will take a detailed medical history and ask questions regarding your health and lifestyle, in order to determine the best course of treatment. The acupuncturist may also use pulse and tongue diagnosis for purposes of assessment.

Various other modalities may be used in conjunction with the acupuncture needles in order to enhance the effects of treatment. Some of these techniques include herbal remedies, moxibustion (a heat therapy), cupping (a suction technique that moves energy blockages and pulls toxins out of the muscles), acupressure massage, cold laser therapy (a form of light therapy that heals the body at the cellular level), and Korean Hand Therapy.

Does acupuncture hurt?

A licensed acupuncturist, or Chinese medical doctor, places very fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on your body. This stimulates your body’s internal energy source or qi. Sometimes one feels a sort of tingling or electrical sensation, certifying “the arrival of qi.” This is a desirable effect. Most people experience a profound sense of deep relaxation during treatment.

For infants and those who are afraid of needles, other modalities may be utilized.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. In general, the more recent the problem and the healthier the patient, the easier the condition is to treat. Chronic conditions will usually take longer to heal than more acute ones and elderly patients will typically require a longer course of treatment. In general, some noticeable change will occur after the first few sessions.

How long will each session take?

Please allow at least one hour for each visit. The initial session may take up to two hours.

How do I prepare for treatment?

Do not eat a large meal before or after treatment, but always try to eat something prior to receiving a treatment.

Wear loose and comfortable clothing so that the acupuncture points can be easily accessed.

After you receive a treatment, it is best to rest and avoid overexertion, even if you feel quite energized. Utilize this boost in energy for your healing.

Pay attention to how you feel immediately after each treatment and between office visits, so that you can report any changes to your acupuncturist.

How much does a treatment cost?

The cost of treatment may vary depending upon services rendered. Generally, a session will cost between $50 and $75 per visit. An additional fee is charged for herbal prescriptions. At the time of the initial visit, a patient may purchase a series of acupuncture treatments at a discounted rate of $300 for 6 sessions.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard. We also accept most health insurance as well as worker’s compensation and auto accident insurance. Please verify your policy coverage with your insurance company prior to your first appointment.

What kinds of ailments can acupuncture treat?

For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been known for its ability to stop pain. However, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines are not simply blocking the body’s perception of pain; rather, they are addressing the root of the imbalance, which is causing the problem. By working in this way, acupuncture and herbs are able to treat all kinds of medical conditions. The following is a partial list of some of the common health problems for which people seek treatment:

Where can I get more information about acupuncture?

For general information: www.acupuncture.com

For news and research articles: www.acupuncturetoday.com