How does acupuncture actually work?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the
world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently
one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of
complementary medicine available anywhere.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined
by the quality of the Qi (energy) flow through the natural pathways of your body
(meridians). Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very
thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve
your Qi flow. The many benefits of acupuncture include:
world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently
one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of
complementary medicine available anywhere.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined
by the quality of the Qi (energy) flow through the natural pathways of your body
(meridians). Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very
thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve
your Qi flow. The many benefits of acupuncture include:
- Pain reduction
- Stress and tension relief
- Increased energy levels
- Stronger digestion
- Relief from bad habits and addictions
- Greater sense of overall health and well-being
- Weight loss
What does it feel like? Do the needles hurt?
The needles used are sterile, single-use, disposable needles. Using the smallest gauge that will effectively deliver the desired result minimizes any discomfort.
Each point may have a different sensation, ranging from no sensation to a slight pinching or pressure during insertion that quickly goes away.
Acupuncture needles are significantly smaller and thinner than the needles you may be used to receiving in the western medical setting and as such are significantly less painful.
Each point may have a different sensation, ranging from no sensation to a slight pinching or pressure during insertion that quickly goes away.
Acupuncture needles are significantly smaller and thinner than the needles you may be used to receiving in the western medical setting and as such are significantly less painful.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, I currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and Carefirst Insurance.
To find out if you have coverage you may contact me directly or contact your insurance company.
More and more insurance companies are covering acupuncture treatments. To determine the extent of your acupuncture coverage, ask your insurance carrier: whether your plan covers acupuncture treatment conducted by a Maryland State Board licensed acupuncturist not just an MD; how many visits you get each year; and if there are restrictions for diagnosis. There is no sure way to know your benefits unless you call OR if you have a federal employee card with an R in the member number and a 104 or 105 in the plan code.
For those with other insurance plans or flex plans I provide a properly-coded receipt to submit to your insurance carrier. It will be your responsibility to file for reimbursement directly with your carrier.
To find out if you have coverage you may contact me directly or contact your insurance company.
More and more insurance companies are covering acupuncture treatments. To determine the extent of your acupuncture coverage, ask your insurance carrier: whether your plan covers acupuncture treatment conducted by a Maryland State Board licensed acupuncturist not just an MD; how many visits you get each year; and if there are restrictions for diagnosis. There is no sure way to know your benefits unless you call OR if you have a federal employee card with an R in the member number and a 104 or 105 in the plan code.
For those with other insurance plans or flex plans I provide a properly-coded receipt to submit to your insurance carrier. It will be your responsibility to file for reimbursement directly with your carrier.
How long does it take for acupuncture to work?
Treatments are designed to alleviate aches and pains, while encouraging
the body to heal at a deeper level, thus working to prevent re-occurrences of
those symptoms in the future. As is true in any health care system, individuals
are uniquely different, and the same symptom in two different individuals can be
a result of vastly different causes. So healing will occur at a different rate
for each person.
Typically, symptoms that you have experienced for longer time periods will
take longer to heal as the body learns to let go habitual patterns and replace
those patterns with healthy alternatives. However, you may notice an immediate
improvement in other symptoms that you didn’t even think to discuss because they
were not a part of the main problem that brought you in the door. For example,
many patients report sleeping better, having increased energy, decreased tension
in their muscles, and a general increased feeling of happiness and wellness
after only a few treatments.
Treatment effectiveness builds over time so it is recommended patients
make their best attempt to have weekly treatments for the first six to eight
weeks. This will give me an idea of how the Qi moves and responds in your body.
At the end of this time, I will re-evaluate your goals for treatment, and you
may wish to receive treatment bi-weekly, monthly, or seasonally for preventive
maintenance of the progress your body has obtained.
*Note: Some conditions, such as traumatic injuries, may require more frequent
visits than the typical weekly session, and I will be happy to work with your
financial and time constraints to so that you can meet this important treatment
goal.
the body to heal at a deeper level, thus working to prevent re-occurrences of
those symptoms in the future. As is true in any health care system, individuals
are uniquely different, and the same symptom in two different individuals can be
a result of vastly different causes. So healing will occur at a different rate
for each person.
Typically, symptoms that you have experienced for longer time periods will
take longer to heal as the body learns to let go habitual patterns and replace
those patterns with healthy alternatives. However, you may notice an immediate
improvement in other symptoms that you didn’t even think to discuss because they
were not a part of the main problem that brought you in the door. For example,
many patients report sleeping better, having increased energy, decreased tension
in their muscles, and a general increased feeling of happiness and wellness
after only a few treatments.
Treatment effectiveness builds over time so it is recommended patients
make their best attempt to have weekly treatments for the first six to eight
weeks. This will give me an idea of how the Qi moves and responds in your body.
At the end of this time, I will re-evaluate your goals for treatment, and you
may wish to receive treatment bi-weekly, monthly, or seasonally for preventive
maintenance of the progress your body has obtained.
*Note: Some conditions, such as traumatic injuries, may require more frequent
visits than the typical weekly session, and I will be happy to work with your
financial and time constraints to so that you can meet this important treatment
goal.