FAQ

Are All Acupuncturists the Same?

Prospective patients should always ask about the training and experience of the Acupuncturist that they intend to see. A qualified, state-licensed Acupuncturist gets thousands of hours of specialized training in Acupuncture. Many physicians who practice Acupuncture may have only 200 hours or so of training. Chiropractors in NC can do Acupuncture with only 100 hours of training. This is a huge difference. They may be excellent providers in their primary area of training and expertise, but are often less accomplished in Acupuncture diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to the same anatomy, physiology and pathology courses that medical students study, a qualified, state-licensed Acupuncturist gets thousands of hours of specialized training in Acupuncture.

Please See What Makes Us Different for more about what makes us unique among
Acupuncturists.

See NCALB for info on NC Acupuncture Licensing and NCCAOM.org for info on National Board Licensing

Will Acupuncture Help My Condition?

For most conditions we treat, Acupuncture provides significant relief at least 70% of the time. Any condition that is characterized by inflammation and pain, or an imbalance in hormones, immunity or neurotransmitters, is likely to respond. A full list of commonly treated conditions can be found here.

Acupuncture regulates the production of the body's natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving chemicals, and improves functioning of the endocrine, immune and digestive systems. The World Health organization lists over 40 illnesses that respond to Acupuncture. We have experience with over a hundred different conditions that have responded favorably to our treatment (call us to see if we have experience with yours-you'll get an honest answer).

There are some studies that conclude that Acupuncture is effective, but also conclude that since medications work equally well, the Acupuncture does not add anything significant to our treatment repertoire. What is overlooked is that Acupuncture is virtually free of risks and side-effects, does not need to be used forever, and often helps people feel significantly better in other areas, with a renewed sense of well-being.

We don’t expect a 70 year-old arthritic joint to become 20 again, but it may regain greater flexibility, strength and a significant reduction of pain. Many of our patients are able to reduce and sometimes even eliminate their prescription medications.

A recent national survey of Acupuncture patients found that 91% reported disappearance or improvement of symptoms after treatments, 70% were able to avoid recommended surgery and 78% said they were able to reduce the drugs they were taking. They also reported improved physiological coping, including increased energy, faster healing and better relaxation.

More See Acupuncture Survey.

Is there Proof that Acupuncture Works?

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. More people throughout the world are treated with Acupuncture and herbs than any other system of medicine. Modern people are particularly health-savvy, and if it didn't work, and work consistently, it wouldn't continue to grow in popularity. In the US, it is primarily promoted by word-of-mouth, by those who have experienced successful results.

For many dozens of conditions, and for the majority of people who come to us for treatment, Acupuncture works exceptionally well. Some conditions can be cured, and some merely improved. Please keep in mind though, that it isn't magic, and can't perform miracles. But it is fully grounded in science, proven by rigorous experimentation and critical study, and often produces results far in excess of what some may expect. Its detractors simply haven't studied the literature. The prestigious National Institutes of Health held a Consensus Conference in 1997 and, after examining over 2,300 published studies, concluded that Acupuncture was clearly effective for many conditions. For scientific research, and links to studies on the effects of Acupuncture, see Articles and Research.

Office Visit -- What to Expect?

The Initial Consultation/Treatment includes an opportunity for us to obtain as much information as possible on your individual health issues. We take sufficient time to be good listeners, taking comprehensive notes about both your present health concerns and your past medical history. Seemingly unrelated or unimportant symptoms may actually provide keys to help us understand hidden weaknesses.

A specialized Acupuncture exam will be performed, including the palpation of points on the abdomen. See Japanese Acupuncture. Manual muscle testing may also be performed. See Applied Kinesiology. During the exam the focus is on diagnosing which nerve or organ systems might not be functioning optimally, and then proceeding to treat those specific areas in order to bring the body back into balance.

It's advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Most of the points we use are on the arms and legs, so patients generally remain dressed during the treatment. We make great efforts to accommodate our patient's schedules, including some early-evening appointments, so if you have special circumstances please let us know.

How long are the Acupuncture visits?
The initial visit, which includes a full medical history, Acupuncture exam and treatment, generally takes 90 minutes. Subsequent visits are between 50 minutes and an hour. During each visit, a progress report will be discussed and a brief Acupuncture-specific exam will be performed before the needles are inserted. The needles are left in place approximately 25 minutes.

What does it cost?
We endeavor to keep our fees affordable, and you will find our fees on the low side, especially considering our many years of experience. We presently charge $90 for the Initial Consultation/Treatment, and $65 thereafter. Herbs and Nutritional supplements are extra, and prices vary.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

After experiencing the significant health improvements Acupuncture can provide, our patients often ask us, "How does sticking a few tiny needles in the arm or leg do so much?" It seems so foreign to us, that something as simple as this can work so effectively, though please keep in mind how easily we take for granted that simply swallowing a tiny pill can also dramatically affect the body's function.

Actually, many of the mechanisms of Acupuncture have been very well documented over the years. For example, we know that the stimulation of specific Acupuncture points selectively activates different centers in the brain. This brings about homeostatic (health-promoting) changes in the body, including measurable changes in pain perception, inflammation, digestive capacity, immunity, blood pressure, blood sugar, and even the production of energy.

Acupuncture promotes the release of various neurotransmitters (which help nerves transmit messages, reduce pain, increase energy and adjust mood). It increases production of prostaglandins (for inflammation), dopamine (a feel-good hormone), endorphins (helps pain and mood), ACTH, serotonin and cyclic-AMP (for increased energy and healing).

According to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there is also evidence that stimulating Acupuncture points enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. This may increase the flow of healing or pain-killing natural chemicals to injured areas. For more Acupuncture and science, see Articles and Research.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

We usually see patients once a week, for a series of treatments. Effects are cumulative and the recovery rate depends on many factors: the length of time an illness has been present, the severity of illness, patient compliance with lifestyle and dietary suggestions, and an individual's unique response to treatment.

Some people will see results in a couple of treatments and others my need 6-8 treatments before experiencing a notable difference. Once the positive effects of treatment are "holding" or lasting, we generally start to space out the treatment intervals. For some, the condition will resolve, and for others we will reach a point where the results reach a plateau, and a maintenance program will be recommended to sustain the results achieved. This varies with individuals and may be once a month, once a quarter, or sometimes a short series of treatments once or twice a year.

Will the Effects Last?

While Acupuncture often takes longer than medication for an initial response, once the treatments begin to 'take,' the effects are usually long-lasting. Some patients we treated fifteen or twenty years ago have remained free of relapses. Others, depending on the condition, require periodic 'tune-ups' to maintain their health.

Acupuncture is capable of providing a long-lasting solution because it actually improves the way the body functions, and stimulates the body's resistance and latent abilities to heal. You actually become healthier. In contrast, when the effects of medications wear off, we often remain in the same state we were in before the medication was taken, thus increasing dependency on the drug. Where possible, our job is to help you become free of any medical interventions, including ours.

How Safe is Acupuncture?

Extremely. When performed by a licensed professional, Acupuncture is remarkably safe and virtually without side-effects. Relatively few complications from
Acupuncture have been reported to the FDA considering the millions of people treated each year. A 2002 National Health Interview survey found the incidence of adverse reactions very low. Another six-year survey reported an incidence of only 14 adverse effects for every 10,000 treatments, all of which were minor and temporary.

Occasionally there is some residual pain at a place a needle was placed. This is usually brief and mild. Sometimes there is a small drop of blood when a needle is removed, but never any bleeding. A worsening of symptoms is quite rare, though very occasionally we may have a patient who gets a little aggravated after a treatment, but then gets much better in the following days.

For information concerning the safety of Chinese Herbs and possible drug-herb interactions, please see Herbal Medicine.

Needle Sterilization
Rest assured that all needles in the clinic are guaranteed sterile and are made of surgical stainless steel. A new set of disposable needles is taken from a sealed package for each patient, and disposed of afterwards.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

The needles are extremely fine and insertion is virtually painless for most people. Small plastic guide tubes are used to swiftly insert the needles with little discomfort. Our clinic uses a Japanese technique, which utilize needles that are much thinner than that used with traditional Chinese approaches (40 gauge vs. 30 gauge). People describe the sensation variously from almost nothing, to a tingle, to a mild, dull ache, or a slight sting for a few seconds, like a pinch.

Whatever sensation is experienced, it quickly goes away and the patient is resting in total comfort on the table during treatment. Most feel relaxed, and some even fall asleep! It's common to be energized after the treatment, and to feel an increased level of well-being.

Will Acupuncture Interfere with my Drugs or Medical Care?

It should not interfere; rather it should complement or enhance your medical care. As treatments progress, Acupuncture can often reduce the need for many medications. This includes pain medicine, anti-inflammatories, and even blood-pressure or blood-sugar reducing drugs. However, we do not recommend reducing your medications without consulting your doctor. We are more than willing to discuss any special circumstances with you or your doctor.

Does insurance cover Acupuncture Treatment?

Many insurance companies are beginning to cover Acupuncture. To inquire into this matter, contact your insurance company and ask whether or not your policy covers Acupuncture by a licensed acupuncturist. We require payment at the time of treatment, but are happy to make a 'superbill' receipt for you to submit to your insurance company to receive reimbursement, if covered. Acupuncture is fully deductible in a medical savings account and we are happy to write receipts for that purpose.