Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture FAQ

 Acupuncture needles are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. While some people feel nothing at all; others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. The needles are left in place for twenty to forty minutes. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and uplifting and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.  

 Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine consists of medicinal substances derived from plant, animal, and mineral sources. The herbs are available in the form of herbal teas, liquid extracts, tablets, capsules, granules, lotions, creams, salves, or poultices.

Individual substances are rarely prescribed alone in Traditional Chinese Medicine. A carefully balanced recipe of several different herbs is specifically tailored for each person's entire health condition. Each herb is chosen for its own specific functions. In addition, herbs can enhance the strengths and reduce the side effects of each other. The combination of substances in a formula creates a new therapeutic agent that can treat much more effectively and completely that a single substance.

 Western Herbal Medicine tends to use one or two herbs to treat just a specific symptom. A Chinese Herbal formula has as many as 20 different herbs. The herbs are selected to work synergistically to treat the whole person. In Chinese medicine, due to our diagnostic system, we are able to assess a persons whole constitution (the health of their whole body) and treat the root (or cause) of a health concern along with a branch (or the symptoms) of a health concern. It is in this way that we are able to treat a person's whole body and mind, rather than just a symptom. 

 Usually not. Acupuncture is a very safe method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function. Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a professional who has completed all licensing requirements. 

 One of the most appealing qualities of Chinese Herbal Medicine is the low risk of adverse reaction or side effects. Herbal medicine uses all the constituents of the plant and therefore has minimal side effects.

The most commonly reported adverse reaction is minor gastrointestinal upset. Modifying the herbal formula or adding herbs to strengthen the digestive system can remedy this. If you do notice any side effects, please stop taking your herbs and consult your practitioner right away.

To be confident that the herbs that we use are of the highest potency, quality, and safety; we only use herbs from manufacturers that are certified as having Good Manufacturing Practice. 

 PAYMENT

For your convenience, we accept cash, personal checks, and credit cards. Payment is due at time of service. Gift Certificates are available

 FORMS

Please book your appointment, call, or email us, so that we can send you the intake forms.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is an increasingly important and effective component of chronic pain management.

 Veterans: Your treatment is covered by the VA Choice/ PC3 program. 

You will need a referral from them. 

FEE SCHEDULE
(For payment received at time of service)

Initial Consultation and treatment $65, allow about 90 min. Includes review of patient’s health history. Includes acupuncture and herbal consultation as well as other modalities as needed.

Follow up treatment $60, allow 45- 60 minutes. Includes acupuncture and herbal consultation as well as other modalities as needed.

​Chinese herbal and nutritional supplements are not included in these fees.

 We promise to be considerate about your time and thoughtful regarding your finances. 

 OFFICE POLICY

Our policy is designed to help treat all patients equally and fairly. ​

Missed Appointments

Please cancel your appointments 24 hours in advance so I may be able to offer the space to someone waiting to be seen. I understand this is not always possible so a one-time courtesy will be given. After the first time you will be billed at the regular fee.

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No Shows

Not calling to cancel and not showing up for your appointment is considered a “no-show’. A one-time courtesy will also be given for a no-show, after that you will be billed at the regular fee.

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I appreciate your understanding and courtesy in regards to missed appointments.

 INSURANCE

​Insurance companies are covering acupuncture. The best way to determine whether your carrier pays for acupuncture is to call them directly. As a courtesy to our patients we do bill insurance on their behalf for specific services; however, it is the patient’s responsibility to verify benefits plan and coverage of providers and /or services. We cannot quote specific insurance plan details. Patients will be held responsible for non-payment by their insurance company.

If you are not covered by insurance, you can still consider your payments as medical expenses that you may be able to write off on your taxes. If you have a flex plan through your workplace, that account often covers the cost of treatment.

Workman's Compensation and car insurance can sometimes cover acupuncture.