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Why would I see an acupuncturist?
Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide
range of physical conditions. The World Health Organization recognizes
the ability of acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine to treat
over 43 common disorders including; Gastrointestinal Disorders, Uro-genital
Disorders, Gynecological Disorders, Respiratory Disorders, Disorders of
the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System, Circulatory Disorders,
Emotional and Psychological Disorders, Addictions, Eye, Ear, Nose and
Throat Disorders. Acupuncture has also been effective in treating other
chronic and painful debilitating disorders, which have no clear
explanation or origin. Many who are not experiencing ailments also seek
treatment to maximize their wellness and maintain balance. The greatest
reason to begin acupuncture treatment is to cultivate vitality and
radiant health and to stimulate the tremendous healing power of the
body, mind and spirit.
What about needles?
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, no thicker than two human hairs.
The needles have no resemblance to a hypodermic syringe. The needles are
individually packaged, sterilized, and disposed of after each use. Most
needles are inserted just beneath the skin. Sensations vary from person
to person, ranging from nothing at all to a brief ache or heaviness in
the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. By
and large patients describe the sensations as fleeting and the treatment
experience as deeply relaxing.
Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?
Absolutely not. Many patients come for regular treatments to achieve
increased effectiveness and enjoyment in life. Acupuncture can also be a
powerful preventative measure to keep patients healthy throughout the
year. In China an acupuncturist’s jobs was to keep patients well. The
acupuncturist would get paid only when their patients were well and when
they were sick the acupuncturist wouldn’t get paid for their service!
What do patients report after receiving ongoing acupuncture
treatments?
Patients report being sick less often and recovering more quickly,
improvement of vitality and stamina, relationships with others deepening
and becoming more harmonious, and reductions in long term health care
costs. A recent survey of people who receive acupuncture, conducted by
Claire Cassidy, Ph.D., indicates that they see their physicians less
frequently and use fewer medications. In addition, over two thirds of
those surveyed reported having avoided recommended surgery.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
A growing number of insurance companies will reimburse for acupuncture
treatments. Consult your insurer for the terms of coverage on your
policy. However, full payment is due at the time of each treatment. A
receipt will be given after each treatment for patients to submit for
insurance reimbursement.
How does acupuncture work?
This highly effective system of medical care is based on natural laws,
which govern the movement of vital life giving energy, both in nature
and in the body. This energy, called "chi", moves through the body in
precise channels supporting functions of the body, mind and spirit. When
the chi is moving disharmoniously, imbalance begins to surface in the
form of specific symptoms. Symptoms are the body’s wisdom prompting us
to awaken to our lives newly. To address the underlying cause of a
condition, these symptoms are viewed in relationship to the totality of
a person. The gentle insertion of hair thin needles at specific points
along the channels, help restore harmony. In the presence of this subtle
yet profound intervention, symptoms often resolve and patients
frequently experience renewed vitality. Acupuncture treats the deeper
underlying cause as well as the symptoms.
What should I expect at the first appointment?
Be prepared to spend an hour and a half to two hours during your initial
visit with me. During this time you will have the opportunity to speak
at length about your health concerns. This time is designed to enable me
to assess the underlying cause of your condition. This will be done
through an interview covering your health and personal histories, and a
Chinese physical exam. Following the exam you will receive your first
treatment. The sessions are always conducted in complete
confidentiality. In the beginning, you will be seen in weekly, one-hour,
sessions. As internal harmony is created and you begin to experience
improvement in your condition and enjoy a greater sense of ease in life,
usually after 5-8 weeks, I will begin to see you every other week, every
three weeks, monthly, and eventually seasonally. This will vary for each
individual.
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