FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Procedures
Acupuncture
Herbs
Policies
In-take Form
PROCEDURES
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Everyone begins with a new patient assessment that takes approximately an hour. You will leave this session with a treatment plan based on what we discover. Your plan could include nutritional changes, whole foods supplements, acupuncture, herbs, qigong exercises, or a referral for lab tests or bioenergetic assessment. Some conditions might be effectively handled with just this one session and a follow up. Others things are more complicated and require weekly treatments until the situation is resolved. It all depends on how complex and chronic your condition is.
You can call my office (408-489-8268) to set up this appointment, or email me.
WHAT DOES IT COST, AND DOES MY INSURANCE COVER IT?
The fee for your initial appointment is $150. Subsequent fees depend on what protocols we’ve decided to implement. Acupuncture treatments are $75.00 per visit. Nutritional consultations range from $75.00 to $150.00.
Many insurance companies cover acupuncture. You’ll need to check your policy to see if yours has coverage. I do not bill insurance companies, but I do provide superbills that you can send in for reimbursement.
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ACUPUNCTURE
DO THE NEEDLES HURT?
No, acupuncture needles don’t hurt. Most people associate needles with the hypodermics that are used to give shots. These needles are much larger and more invasive than acupuncture needles. They are also shaped differently at the tip so they traumatize tissue as they enter the skin. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and carefully shaped so they enter the skin painlessly. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, acupuncture is virtually painless. The patient may feel sensations like tingling, fullness, or sometimes a dull aching at the point of insertion. These are normal, and are an indication that the energy of the point has been engaged. Usually, after the needles are placed the patient experiences a sense of deep relaxation and well being.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
This depends on the nature of your complaint and how long you have had it. Though there are a few acute conditions that can be resolved in one treatment, most imbalances need a series of treatments for complete resolution. A typical treatment course is once a week for six to eight weeks. Some people like to come in once a month or quarterly to maintain balance.
WHAT TYPES OF THINGS DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
Many people think of acupuncture only as a pain treatment. Though it is well known for this, it is also effective for a multitude of other conditions. These include digestive disorders, immune system imbalances, allergies, asthma, hormonal imbalances, gynecological issues, depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress related disorders, headaches, and weight loss.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL?
No. Licensed Acupuncturists are primary care practitioners in California. This means you can see an acupuncturist without a referral from your physician, and you can submit a bill directly to your insurance company.
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HERBS
WHAT MAKES CHINESE HERBS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT I BUY AT THE HEALTH FOOD STORE?
Chinese herbalism has developed over thousands of years into a complex medical system that complements acupuncture. Each of the hundreds of substances in the Chinese pharmacopoeia is meticulously catalogued in terms of function, energetics, organs and meridians affected, medical usage, and contraindications. What is unique to Chinese herbalism is its emphasis on formulas. Rather than single herbs, the Chinese have perfected the art of combining herbs so that usage is refined and optimized, and side effects minimized. A typical formula may have ten to twelve herbs in it. The effect of the whole combination is different from the effect of each herb used singly.
Licensed acupuncturists in California are trained in the use of Chinese herbs. Prescribing herbs properly is an art that depends on careful diagnosis and a thorough understanding of the interactions of the herbs. In the hands of an experienced practitioner, herbs can be a powerful addition to the client’s treatment plan.
DO I HAVE TO BOIL THE HERBS, AND ARE THEY SAFE?
I use standardized classical formulas in pill form, and liquid extracts which I can combine to customize a formula. These products are selected for their quality and ease of administration, and are carefully screened by the manufacturer for contaminants and toxic residues. Herbs prescribed by a qualified practitioner are safe and free of side effects.
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