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Services1. What is Acupuncture? 2. What to expect? 3. What is acupuncture effective for? 4. How does acupuncture work? 5. What are the requirements to practice acupuncture? 6. Is acupuncture safe? 7. What does acupuncture feel like? 8. How can Chinese Medicine be used for children? 9. What is the cost for services? Does insurance cover acupuncture? 10. How many treatments will I need? 11. Should I consult my physician if I am receiving acupuncture? 12. Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work? 13. How much does it cost? 1. What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a system of medicine developed in China over 2500 years ago. The practice of acupuncture stimulates the body's own healing abilities by balancing a person's energy. This energy is called "qi" (pronounced chee). It flows along a network of pathways called meridians. There are specific points on the meridian where the qi accumulates, called acupoints. The acupoints are typically stimulated using fine acupuncture needles in specific combinations that are clinically proven effective. According to acupuncture theory, disease and pain are the result of an imbalance of energy in one or more of the meridians. The meridians are related to specific internal functions that are identified by anatomical units such as the kidney, heart, liver, lung, and spleen. The organs in Chinese medicine represent complex functions rather than structure and by regulating the flow of qi, acupuncture helps restore balance to the body. The philosophy of Chinese medicine is to help the human body reach a state of balance and equilibrium through this manipulation of qi. When the body's energy is balanced its own healing potential is maximized. Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health as a useful adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative treatment to be included in a comprehensive health management program. According to the NIH consensus statements, acupuncture is recognized as an effective treatment for adult post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and post operative dental pain. Acupuncture is also an effective adjunct treatment for addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, and asthma. 2. What to expect When you receive acupuncture treatments, your acupuncturist will insert very thin sterile disposable needles into the points on the appropriate meridians. Typically you will feel nothing or you may feel a slight pinch, followed by a warm, heavy sensation. The needles remain in the body for ten to thirty minutes. during the treatment most patients feel very relaxed and often fall asleep. Symptomatic relief may occur immediately or resolution of symptoms may take longer, depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition. Acupuncture treatments affect the body differently than conventional Western treatments. The acupuncture treatments are building blocks, building upon the previous session, so a more balanced state gradually becomes the norm. 3. What is acupuncture effective for? Acupuncture is a system of medicine that has been beneficial for any type of imbalance or health condition in China for over 2500 years. The World Health Organization lists over 40 conditions acupuncture successfully treats and the United States released the National Institute of Health Consensus statements in 1997 stating acupuncture is effective for: pre and post operative pain and nausea, carpel tunnel, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, low back pain, sciatic pain, asthma and addiction. 4. How does acupuncture work? Acupuncture uses very thin, sterile, and disposable needles that are inserted into specific points that are empirically proven effective for certain conditions. The points are located along pathways called meridians that are mapped out along your entire body. By using needles the energy in the channels, called Qi (pronounced chee), is balanced to decrease pain or improve health. Qi is known as the vital energy that produces and nourishes all body systems. In the United states this concept is very different from our Western medical model as Qi does not directly correlate with a specific functional system (i.e. circulatory, nervous, endocrine, etc) but encompasses and effects them all. 5. What are the requirements to practice acupuncture? In Massachusetts Licensed Acupuncturists graduate from a three year Master's Degree program requiring over 2400 hours of training. They must also pass a national board examination that includes a competency evaluation of Clean Needle Technique. 6. Is acupuncture safe? Yes. Because of the intensive training acupuncturists receive there is very low risk associated with acupuncture. Some risks associated may be bruising around the area of insertion, and if proper techniques are not followed, spread of infection and organ puncture may occur. Acupuncturists use sterile, disposable needles and follow the standards that nurses and medical technicians use when using needle for drawing blood and giving injections. 7. What does acupuncture feel like? Acupuncture uses very thin, hair-like needles that are very different from the large hypodermic needles used in medical settings. Some people feel nothing and others may feel some sensation as the needles are inserted. As the needles work you may feel a dull or heavy sensation around the affected area. Most people fall asleep during the treatment and feel relaxed and rejuvenated after. 8. How can Chinese Medicine be used for children? Chinese medicine can treat children using non-insertive techniques. Children can be treated for the conditions listed above along with developmental problems, ADHD and bedwetting. Infants can be treated for ear infections, colic and many other conditions. 9. What is the cost for acupuncture and does insurance cover acupuncture? A Comprehensive Acupuncture Evaluation is $175. Follow-up acupuncture visits are $85. Some insurances cover acupuncture services, check with your insurance company about coverage. 10. How many treatments will I need? Depending on your condition, the number of treatments are determined by the nature of your condition, your individual health status and other lifestyle and environmental factors that may contribute to your condition. Your acupuncturist will discuss your individual course of treatment with you, but you should expect to see some response to treatments in 3-5 sessions. 11. Should I consult my physician if I am receiving acupuncture? For most conditions it is not necessary, but it is always a good idea for your primary care physician to know about your health care decisions. For serious conditions including cardiac problems, cancer, or infection it is advisable to seek western medical attention. Acupuncture may be utilized as an adjunct treatment with these conditions to reduce pain, expedite healing and reduce the secondary complications of medications. 12. Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work? No. Positive results are seen with acupuncture when there is not a component of belief. Acupuncture is a modality that energetically brings balance to the body regardless of a person's cognitive awareness or belief. For examples, treatments given to infants and animals work effectively despite a lack of belief or understanding. 13. How much does it cost? Initial visit ($125- $150) sliding scale fee, Follow up visits ($85-$100) Community Acupuncture: General clinic Initial visit: $55-$75 sliding scale fee Follow up visits $45-$55 sliding scale fee |
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