What can acupuncture and Asian medicine help?
Because the diagnostic techniques view symptoms as messengers of underlying illness, the way we speak of imbalances does not correspond to lists of Western medical diagnosis. That said, common complaints that respond well to Asian healing arts are mood imbalances, poor digestion or unhealthy elimination, pain, gynecological or andrological issues such as painful periods, weak urine stream, infertility, or erectile dysfunction, headaches of any etiology, post stroke recovery, chronic colds or sinus infections, just to name a few. Asian medicine also promotes health and healing, and is used by many pre and post-operatively, after trauma, as well as by athletes to enhance performance.
Will acupuncture hurt?
Probably not. :) You will feel sensations. Some sensations patients have described to me are hot, tingling, heavy, achey, “a mixer sensation”, swirling, pulsing, muscle twitches. These are all positive signs that the body is responding. Usually the insertion itself is pain free. Sometimes a patient will describe feeling things at the other end of the channel that I have needled. I had to study hard to learn all the channel pathways, but our bodies don’t need a book to know where qi flows!
Can children receive acupuncture?
Yes! Children respond very quickly to acupuncture, as their bodies are so ready to heal and regenerate. We have many strategies for treating little ones, from babies to teens. We can use acupressure, a non-invasive ginko tool that is used to stimulate the skin or “stickers” and “whiskers”, which are very small-gauge, short needles. Typical pediatric concerns that might bring a family to try acupuncture or herbs are night terrors, insomnia, emotional outbursts that go beyond what is typically age appropriate, rashes and eczema, or digestive issues. Families can also use acupuncture to promote healing after an injury. These are just some examples. If you wonder if acupuncture might help your child, it probably can, so please ask!
How quickly will I feel better?
Most people begin to feel very relaxed soon after the needles are in. Your symptoms can begin to improve while you are on the table or later that day. Acupuncture works cumulatively. I recommend that new patients come in twice a week for two weeks, and then once a week for four weeks after that. This allows us to have the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time. Of course every condition is different, and your situation may require fewer or more visits.
Do you take insurance?
I do! I am in network with Cigna and United Healthcare, and I can provide you with a superbill for PPO plans I am not in-network with. Typically, insurance only covers pain conditions; how much you are reimbursed will depend on your insurance coverage. I am always happy to verify your coverage when we begin working together.