Frequently Asked Questions
What Conditions can Acupuncture Help?
Many people come for help with a specific symptom or condition. For example: anxiety, asthma, arthritis, back pain, sciatica, depression, fatigue, circulatory problems, facial paralysis, fibrositis, migraines, respiratory problems, menstrual problems, infertility, muscular-skeletal problems, skin conditions, sinus problems, low sexual vitality, digestive problems, etc. The range is endless.
What Happens when I come for Treatment?
In order to make your first visit as smooth as possible, please bear in mind the following advice. Please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to complete a simple registration form. To complete our form you will need your GP/referral details and your insurance information if you will be claiming for your treatment.
Your first visit will usually take 30 to 45 minutes. We will take a full history of the condition, perform a physical examination, explain the diagnosis and treat accordingly. We will usually also give you some estimation of how long the condition should take to get better and how much more treatment we recommend, if any. You will almost certainly need to undress for the therapist to examine you, so you may prefer to bring a pair of shorts if, for example, you have a knee problem. Please call us if you require further information on any of these matters.
What about my Doctor?
If you have been seeing your doctor, you may want to tell them that you are coming for acupuncture, Acupuncturists prefer that you do. Often as a result of acupuncture treatment, a patient’s need for medicine may change. Any changes in medication are done in consultation with your doctor.
Do the acupuncture needles hurt?
Generally, the needles do not hurt at all. Most people liken the experience to a mosquito bite…you can feel it, but it is not painful. Once we access the qi (energy) of the meridian, patients usually feel a localized ache or tingling sensation. This sensation typically decreases after a few minutes. The needles used for acupuncture are very, very thin (typically gauge 32 or higher if you are familiar with wire gauge)
Will acupuncture and herbs interfere with other forms of therapy or medications I receive?
In regards to herbal medicine, it is very important your practitioner is well educated in prescribing herbs because certain substances may interfere with some pharmaceuticals and should not be taken concurrently. Herbal medications can be taken during the same course of treatment as most homeopathic remedies, but they should not be consumed together (i.e. take the herbs at a different time of day than the homeopathic.).
How long does treatment last?
Treatment length and prognosis depend greatly upon the condition being treated and the individual who is experiencing the condition.
How Can Acupuncture Help You?
Health is the result of balance and harmony in the body. When the body is unbalanced, disease and pain occur. Acupuncture is used to restore the body's natural balance.
Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
More and more insurance plans are covering acupuncture treatments. Co-payments, deductibles, and annual treatment maximums may apply. If you have a flex-pay plan, you can almost always use those monies for acupuncture care. We will be happy to inquire with your insurance company in advance to determine if your plan covers acupuncture.
Many people come for help with a specific symptom or condition. For example: anxiety, asthma, arthritis, back pain, sciatica, depression, fatigue, circulatory problems, facial paralysis, fibrositis, migraines, respiratory problems, menstrual problems, infertility, muscular-skeletal problems, skin conditions, sinus problems, low sexual vitality, digestive problems, etc. The range is endless.
What Happens when I come for Treatment?
In order to make your first visit as smooth as possible, please bear in mind the following advice. Please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to complete a simple registration form. To complete our form you will need your GP/referral details and your insurance information if you will be claiming for your treatment.
Your first visit will usually take 30 to 45 minutes. We will take a full history of the condition, perform a physical examination, explain the diagnosis and treat accordingly. We will usually also give you some estimation of how long the condition should take to get better and how much more treatment we recommend, if any. You will almost certainly need to undress for the therapist to examine you, so you may prefer to bring a pair of shorts if, for example, you have a knee problem. Please call us if you require further information on any of these matters.
What about my Doctor?
If you have been seeing your doctor, you may want to tell them that you are coming for acupuncture, Acupuncturists prefer that you do. Often as a result of acupuncture treatment, a patient’s need for medicine may change. Any changes in medication are done in consultation with your doctor.
Do the acupuncture needles hurt?
Generally, the needles do not hurt at all. Most people liken the experience to a mosquito bite…you can feel it, but it is not painful. Once we access the qi (energy) of the meridian, patients usually feel a localized ache or tingling sensation. This sensation typically decreases after a few minutes. The needles used for acupuncture are very, very thin (typically gauge 32 or higher if you are familiar with wire gauge)
Will acupuncture and herbs interfere with other forms of therapy or medications I receive?
In regards to herbal medicine, it is very important your practitioner is well educated in prescribing herbs because certain substances may interfere with some pharmaceuticals and should not be taken concurrently. Herbal medications can be taken during the same course of treatment as most homeopathic remedies, but they should not be consumed together (i.e. take the herbs at a different time of day than the homeopathic.).
How long does treatment last?
Treatment length and prognosis depend greatly upon the condition being treated and the individual who is experiencing the condition.
How Can Acupuncture Help You?
Health is the result of balance and harmony in the body. When the body is unbalanced, disease and pain occur. Acupuncture is used to restore the body's natural balance.
Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
More and more insurance plans are covering acupuncture treatments. Co-payments, deductibles, and annual treatment maximums may apply. If you have a flex-pay plan, you can almost always use those monies for acupuncture care. We will be happy to inquire with your insurance company in advance to determine if your plan covers acupuncture.