Acupuncture is a different kind of medical treatment and as such, you may have questions. We’ve attempted to guess which questions most people would have and answered them for you. If after looking through this F.A.Q. you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us!
Generally speaking, No. The Needles are small enough to bend with your pinky. Most people hardly feel them go in. Some points are more sensitive than others but
even then, the pain should only be felt at insertion.
Needles are sterile, single-use and disposable. The risk of infection is minimal. Unwanted side effects may include soreness, minor bleeding or bruising at the
needling site. Those taking blood thinners are a little more likely to bleed or bruise.
All acupuncturists must take a 3-4 year course of classes and hands-on training. Then they must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.
If using insurance there may be a copay. If paying out of pocket at time of service, your first appointment is $150. Subsequent appointments are $99 but we offer a 5-treatment pre-paid package of $445 ($89 per treatment).
We bill Regence of Oregon BC/BS, United Healthcare, Pacific Source and MODA
Typically, treatments will be more frequent in the beginning and less frequent with time.
- Acute cases should expect quicker progress and more frequent treatments. Ideally 1 or 2 times a week for a couple of weeks.
- Chronic cases should expect slower progress with treatments spaced farther out and over a longer course of treatment. Generally, once a week to once a month. Some patients just call us when they have a flare-up or need a tune-up.
Everyone’s experience is different. Some patients walk out of the first treatment with instant relief. Those with acute issues tend to get quicker results. People with chronic issues tend to see slower progress. Those with serious chronic conditions may only see temporary results.
Most people seek acupuncture treatment for pain but Acupuncture is based on a 2000-year-old comprehensive system of medicine used for a broad scope of issues.
Patients routinely seek treatment for
- Musculo-Skeletal Pain = Low back, neck, shoulder, joints and other areas of the body. This includes pain from arthritis, chronic overuse, occupational stress, strains and sprains
- Pain from other causes = Headaches, fibromyalgia, spasms, sciatica, TMJ, neuropathy, neuralgia
- Psycho-Emotional = Depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, stress, fatigue, memory loss
- Respiratory = Allergies, COPD, Asthma, allergies, common cold, shortness of breath
- Digestive = Weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, GIRD, heartburn
- Reproductive = Menstrual discomfort, infertility, complications of pregnancy, prostatitis, ED
- Circulatory = High or low blood pressure, stroke, angina, high cholesterol
- Neurological = Migraines, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, bell’s palsy
Yes, but it is best to focus on one or two problems at a time. Since Chinese Medicine works with your body as a system, focusing on one problem may help resolve others.
Aside from acupuncture, we also provide herbal medicines. During a treatment you may also receive Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion and/or a very brief Massage. These other modalities are provided at the practitioner’s discretion and are not offered independently. We may also recommend dietary and lifestyle advice as well as stretches or other exercises that might benefit your wellbeing.
- The traditional Chinese explanation is that needling stimulates a type of energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) that travels through the body on 12 pathways. Qi is responsible for regulating every single physiological process in the body. Disease occurs when the Qi is not flowing properly. Along these pathways lay points on the body that each manipulate Qi in their own way. Points to be needled are selected based on the signs and symptoms a patient is experiencing and how their Qi must be manipulated in order to address theunderlying issue.
- The Western scientific view is that acupuncture points are places with high concentrations of nerve endings and capillaries. These points have measurably decreased electrical resistance making them easier to stimulate with needles. Inserting acupuncture needles alerts nerve endings which signal the brain to release neurotransmitters such as endorphins, norepinephrine and enkephalins. These neurotransmitters block pain sensations and promote a state of relaxation, restoration and healing.
The oldest surviving acupuncture manual is the “Huang Di Nei Jing.” Chinese tradition says it is a compilation of several texts written around 2500 BC. This is probably an exaggeration but the earliest reference to the book in other literature is from around 250 BC.
