Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture is a medical treatment, which originated in China approximately 3,000 years ago. It involves the stimulation of specific areas on the body to regulate and balance energy flow in order to treat disease, improve health and increase immunity. This can be accomplished with the use of needles, electrical stimulation, heat, manual pressure and a variety of other means. In the early 1970's, acupuncture was introduced to the American public after American doctors visiting China witnessed major operations being performed with just acupuncture anesthesia.

According to Traditional Chinese medical theories, our bodies require a balanced flow of energy. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along pathways known as meridians or channels. As long as this energy flows freely, health is maintained. If, however, the flow is interrupted, the system is disrupted resulting in pain and illness. Acupuncture is employed to stimulate appropriate points along these pathways to unblock and regulate the energy back into harmonious balance. Makes sense doesn't it?

What are acupuncture's advantages and are there any side effects?

Acupuncture offers an effective option when other treatments have failed. In comparison to the astronomical cost of today's healthcare, it is considered an affordable alternative. When performed by a properly trained, licensed acupuncturist, there are seldom any significant side effects.

Perhaps the most profound difference between acupuncture and traditional medicine is the approach. The focus of many allopathic (conventional) therapies is to remove symptoms or complaints by pharmacological, surgical, or radiological means. Each syndrome or disease is seen as independent from one another and treated accordingly. In Chinese medical theory, the body is seen as a whole, complete system. Seemingly unrelated complaints become clearly connected and treatment is focused on many symptoms at once restoring the whole body to an increased level of health.

I'm not a big fan of needles...Does it hurt?

Acupuncture is virtually painless. The majority of patients that are anxious about acupuncture treatments are surprised that there is little actual discomfort associated with the procedure. (Whew!) In fact, most patients feel relaxed during the treatment and many fall asleep. Upon needle placement, one may sense a slight pinch followed by a warm, heavy, or numb feeling in the treated areas.

The acupuncture needle is far different from the hypodermic needles we are all used to. They are solid, stainless steel, and are hair-thin in size. All needles are individually packaged, single use, sterile, and disposed of immediately after use.

I'm suffering now!...How long until I start to feel better?

Most every patient feels better physically and mentally after treatments experiencing greater levels of energy, better sleeping habits, and less anxiety. Many describe an improved "sense of well-being". Some patients respond very quickly and will note an immediate relief of symptoms after the first treatment, while most will notice a gradual improvement of symptoms over the course of treatment (See patient testimonial sheet). Courses of treatment will vary (with specific complaint) and is determined on an individual basis. In general, acute disorders require fewer treatments while chronic conditions call for longer care. A series of six to ten treatments is considered a good average.

It is important to remember that unlike western medicine, the primary focus of acupuncture is to relieve your symptoms by correcting their underlying causes thereby bringing about a lasting cure. After treatment, many acupuncture patients remain symptom-free for years. Some patients find it helpful to come for "booster" treatments to maintain good health and to prevent future health issues.

Allergies Tennis Elbow Ulcers Arthritis Smoking Cessation Insomnia Shoulder Pain

Migraines Depression Chronic Pain TMJ Diarrhea Headaches Bell's Palsy

Back Pain Stroke Tendonitis Sexual Dysfunction Neuralgia Anxiety Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Sinusitis High Blood Pressure Irritable Bowel Menstrual Disorders Chronic Fatigue Common Cold Dizziness

Diabetes Asthma Sports Injuries Substance Abuse Constipation Neck Pain / Whiplash PMS / Menopause

Does it really work?

Simply put. Yes! Acupuncture is used to treat millions of people worldwide. It is much more prevalent outside the United States and is often incorporated into regular medical practice. The World Health Organization (WHO) studied Acupuncture and now recommends it as the treatment of choice for over forty common diseases.

Because of recent medical research verifying the effects of acupuncture, it has become a viable and respected health care alternative in the United States. It often benefits those patients who have not been helped by conventional medicine. More and more, people are discovering that the traditional Chinese methods of healing are excellent tools for improving symptoms, maintaining optimum health and preventing illness.

Would my treatments be covered by my insurance?

We accept insurance and will gladly work with your insurance company to determine your level of coverage. Some insurance companies recognize acupuncture's benefits while some do not. Those that cover acupuncture have varying levels of coverage such as limits to number of visits and what conditions are eligible. Why let an insurance adjuster make health decisions for you, when he or she considers each case from a business standpoint only?

Also, in insurance-based practices, many practitioners are forced to spend less time with their patients. This unfortunately results is what is called a "Patient Factory". Fortunately, there is a happy alternative to this bleak scenario.

If you're not covered, take charge of your health. Let's enter into a healing relationship that allows me to spend the appropriate time listening, treating, educating, and guiding needed to get the finest results possible at a comfortable financial commitment without rushing you out the door. This is the type of care that I prefer to offer and the reason why my patients get such good results and are happy to invest in this relationship.

But can I really afford to pay out of my own pocket for my treatment?

Actually, many people don't realize that pain, injury, stress, and all types of medical issues are already costing them a substantial amount. Add up time missed from work, lost wages, poor effectiveness at work and home, missed family time together, social engagements, worry, fear, aggravation, poor sleep etc. If you carry on in this manner, you will continue to build a debt against your health, wealth and happiness, which becomes increasingly difficult to pay back as time goes on. Check out the Rate sheet for the plan that works best for you.

 

Bret J. Shulman M.S., L.Ac., RRT
376 Woodbury Road
Hicksville, NY 11801
516.935.9000
bret@allaboutacupuncture.com