Frequently Asked Questions

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Who can benefit from Acupuncture treatments?

What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
People may see an acupuncturist for almost any condition, from Cancer to Shoulder Pain. Some of the more commonly treated conditions are:

• Pain anywhere in the body including headaches, migraines, trauma, back pain and siatica

• Depression, Anxiety and Insomnia

• Menstrual issues such as PMS, amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, menopause syndrome

• Asthma a/or Allergy issues

• Chemotherapy and radiation side effects

• Gastrointestinal problems

• Smoking cessation, alcohol and drug addiction

How Big Are The Needles?

The standard needles are about the thickness of a cat’s whisker! For those who are extremely sensitive, there are smaller needles about the width of a hair.  Only sterile, single-use disposable, solid needles are used. Needles are NEVER re-used.

Does It Hurt? No. Most people enjoy the treatment and find it very comfortable, restful, and relaxing.  Many patients fall asleep! Sometimes the needle insertion feels like a quick pinch that rapidly subsides.  Some people report a mild tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a dull ache at the acupuncture point, which is a sensation of Qi moving.  Generally sessions last about an hour, in which the patient rests or even naps.  After treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a  heightened sense of well-being. 

Does Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

What Training And Licensing Do Acupuncturists Receive?

Today acupuncturists are trained in accredited, 3-4 year, graduate programs and are licensed by most states. Acupuncturists may be certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, (NCCAOM), a national organization established to regulate the practice of acupuncture. After passing national examinations, these acupuncturists are designated as board certified in acupuncture or diplomates of the NCCAOM. (Dipl.Ac.)  The NCCAOM maintains a directory of certified practitioners on their web site, www.NCCAOM.org.

What is Medical Acupuncture?

Some western physicians offer a treatment known as medical acupuncture, a kind of mini cookbook version of acupuncture based on a much shorter course of study. While an accredited masters level program in acupuncture includes about 2,500 hours or more of study, some of the programs for physicians offer about 200 hours. Acupuncturists who graduate from accredited programs have completed an extensive course of study of Oriental Medicine as well as of Western biomedical approaches to illness. Contemporary acupuncturists are prepared to work with physicians and other health care providers to bring the most effective aspects of Oriental Medicine into the conventional medical clinic.