Acupuncture: FAQs

By looking at the health of the phyical organ or by looking at the health of this pattern of letting things go appropriately, the practitioner can evaluate the overall health of that organ system and how it is functioning in relation to the other systems in the body. The health of each organ system has a direct influence over the other systems. Acupuncture works to find the weakest system where the issue that the client comes in with is often rooted in. By treating from the root, we can create long lasting balance and health throughout the entire body rather than just treathing the symptom itself, which would essentially be masking the symptom but not actually creating any long term healing. This system of treatment is especially wonderful for treating anxiety, depression, general or overwhelming stress, insomnia, chronic physical pain, digestive issues and PMS among many many other conditions.

The body is also viewed as many different holographs. These images are particularly useful when treating acute physical pain. For instance, we can treat the entire lower back just by putting needles in the hand. This is because your hand can be used as a mirror image of your entire back.

Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from pain – commonly a wide range of physical, mental or emotional conditions.

Others who are not experiencing any specific ailments also seek treatment to maximize their wellness, maintain balance, and stimulate the tremendous healing power of the body, mind and spirit.

Laura also has a strong background in teaching practices that help patients learn better ways to take care of themselves. Therefore you can take your treatments with you long after the visit and maybe even for a lifetime. Laura provides you with tools, natural remedies, and mindfulness practices that help you gain insight and perspective on how to live your life with more ease, lightness of being and vitality.

Increasingly insurance companies are covering acupuncture. They are realizing that if their clients get treated regularly, it’s less likely that they will have to spend thousands of dollars with doctors, surgeries and medications. Consult your insurance carrier for the term of coverage in your policy as each plan varies. We are in-network with Cigna and BlueCross Blue Shield. For all other insurances we are happy to provide you with a receipt to submit for reimbursement. Flex-Spending Accounts are also welcome.

In short, no. However, the sensations people experience during acupuncture vary from nothing at all to a brief pinch or ache upon insertion in the area being needled, to a tingling sensation in other areas of the body. The needles are hair thin and most patients do not experience any pain. Almost immediately after the needles are inserted, all sensations tend to subside and patients report feeling a sense of peace and overall relaxation.

Most people have a very different idea in their head about ‘needles’ and don’t realize how vastly different that idea is from the actual experience in the treatment room. They are not hypodermic needles, in fact they are as thin as a human hair. The acupuncture treatment encompasses so much more than just the needles. It’s an opportunity to build a relationship with your practitioner, gain a partner in your path to well-being, have time and space to yourself for quite solitude, contemplation or reflection. It is a space where your nervous system can settle in contrast to our often busy life-styles, schedules and influx of technological stimulation. Please contact us with your concerns or fear of needles. The benefits of Acupuncture treatment highly outweighs any discomfort- if you even experience any at all. We want you to experience a sense of well-being, safety and comfort during your treatment and to receive the benefits and see the results of what natural healing can do for you.

Yes. The needles are sterile, disposable and approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are used once and then disposed immediately as biohazard waste material. Strict adherence to Clean Needle Technique (CNT) is observed.

Absolutely not. Many people are coming for treatment after realizing that it is easier, safer and more cost-effective to maintain health than to recover it. Our everyday life can be stressful sometimes, so patients come back monthly or quarterly to relax, get tuned-up, boost immunity to allergens or other pathogens or to make time to take care of their overall health and wellness.

The frequency of treatments varies with each person based on condition, goals and progress. Following the initial visit, we usually ask our patients to come back weekly for 6 to 8 weeks. The treatments are cumulative in nature and each treatment builds on the last. Based on the individual, results may be experienced anywhere from immediately to the span of several visits in a row. As the patient experiences an improvement with his or her initial concerns, the space between treatments may be extended accordingly to bi-weekly, monthly or longer. Seasonal treatments are recommended for patients who don’t have specific complaints. Seasonal treatments help to smooth transitions during the changing of seasons and support the patient to feel balanced, centered and able to flow with life’s changes. Together with your practitioner you will design an appropriate and achievable treatment plan for healing and growth. Please ask a practitioner for more information.

If one considers the cost of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter for treatment for conditions that are successfully treated by acupuncture such as low back pain, indigestion, asthma and many others, acupuncture becomes one of the most affordable healthcare modalities in world. Acupuncture can address many conditions that may help to limit the amount of money spent on over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, co-pays, x-rays and doctor visits. Talk to your practitioner if affordability is a concern for you.