faq

Insertion of needles close to nerve beds and vessels stimulates the brain to reactivate the healing process and speed up recovery by releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. It helps secrete endorphins which take the body into a full state of relaxation, enabling its natural healing capabilities. Latest studies show that the tip of the needles has a negative electric charge and helps induce an electron flow from the positively charged inflamed tissues close to the insertion area. The needles also trigger better communication of different body parts by creating inductive pathways within the myofascial network. Regular acupuncture treatments are highly preemptive in avoiding health issues and very helpful in ensuring quality aging. I teach and demonstrate simple qigong routines to address our patients’ needs and enhance our treatments’ efficacy.

You must complete the intake form and sign the consent upon arrival. The consultation will last 30-45 minutes, inquiring about your medical history, lifestyle, habits, etc., to effectively diagnose the pattern and the possible root cause. It will be followed by your first treatment, usually around 1 hour and involves palpation of particular body parts and insertion of the needles at related points.

You must be able to observe positive results with your condition only after two or three treatments in most cases. With chronic conditions, the duration of the overall treatment process may take up to a few months. With acute disorders, it is usually twice weekly for two weeks and then weekly or biweekly follow-up treatments depending on the prognosis. In general, a treatment cycle is 8-10 treatments. With severe chronic issues, it may have to be extended to 3 cycles with one-month breaks between each cycle.

The sensation of the insertion is not any different than a mosquito bite since the filiform acupuncture needles are even finer than hair. You may experience some warmth, tingling, or an electric-like sensation which are desired to deliver neurological impulses to the brain to ensure the efficacy of the treatment. It may be as few as only 4 needle insertions for one treatment and as many as 25-30 needles depending on the patient’s condition.

Please bring a pair of shorts for your convenience since thighs are of utmost importance for our style of acupuncture. A tank top is always a good idea, even though you will be provided with a medical gown prior to the session.

Please confirm with your insurance if you are covered under an acupuncture plan and inquire about your coverage limitations. We direct bill all insurance companies, including veterans affairs and MVA cases.