Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

Do you use disposable needles?
Yes, I use disposable needles. They come to me sterilized in individually sealed packs; I use them once, then I dispose of them in a Sharps container. 


Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
Not at all.  I have treated many individuals who think it is plain "hog-wash", and surprisingly, they get just as good of results as those who are seasoned, firm believers.  You just need to have enough of an open mind to want to find out if acupuncture will work for you.  I suggest you give it a try!


Do you bill insurance companies?
I do not directly bill insurance companies, but if you have insurance that covers acupuncture, I can provide you with a receipt to submit. 


Will it hurt?
Some individuals claim to feel nothing.  Others may feel a slight prick with insertion, and then a dull ache.  Acupuncture needles are nothing like injection needles you may get at the doctors.  My needles are extremely fine, and are virtually painless. 


What if I am terrified of needles?
If you really want to try acupuncture, I will walk you through the entire process, show you the needles, demonstrate how and where they will be inserted, and then you decide in the end if it's something you are ready to try.  Sometimes, the first treatment will be only having one needle inserted into the body.  This will often be a calming point to help bring down some of the anxiety.  If that goes well, we discuss whether or not you want more needles.  Most people who have a fear of needles will soon see that acupuncture is quite different.  In the end, there is only one way to find out if it is a possible option for you.

Do you treat pregnant women?
Yes.  Acupuncture is fabulous with women's health, pregnancy, with IVF treatments, and postpartum.  I get a lot of referrals from midwives, doulas, fertility specialists, and obstetricians because acupuncture is effective for many pregnancy-related conditions.  Also, there are studies showing that women who get acupuncture, especially during the last month of pregnancy, will tend to have an easier and shorter labor.  


Do you treat children?
Yes.  Acupuncture is a wonderful and very effective medicine for treating infants, children and teens --and many of them end up loving it.  I use Sho-ni-shin, a needle-free way of treating infants and children for such illnesses as asthma, chronic earaches, bed-wetting, insomnia, common colds and sore throats, as well as behavioral and emotional challenges. Small metal tools stimulate the channels and acupuncture points without breaking the skin. Children respond quite quickly to treatments and pediatric herbal formulas. 

How soon will I feel better?
I see many clients go from one practitioner to another, try every new diet or supplement they hear about in search of a fast cure to their problems. I understand this is often motivated by desperation and frustration associated with pain or chronic illness. However, it is important that you give whatever modality you choose a chance to work. Don’t just try it once or twice and then quit. If you’ve spent months or years suffering with a certain problem, it’s unreasonable to think  it will go away quickly.  Please, give the medicine time to work.  Typically, four to six consecutive treatments are needed to have lasting changes.