Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?

Some insurances companies currently cover acupuncture costs; other companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits.

The AAMA is working to inform insurance companies and the public in order to standardize payment practices and accessibility to this type of treatment. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer your reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy. Contact your health insurance provider to see if you have coverage.

What to expect from your first treatment?

The initial consultation and treatment will take approximately an hour to an hour and a half.

The consultation period allows you to discuss one on one with your acupuncturist about the problems you are having. Your acupuncturist should then ask other relevant questions regarding your health conditions to apply the proper treatment to heal and prevent your illness. There will also be examinations of your pulse and your tongue to help the acupuncturist understand your condition better and treat your illness. Information regarding the state of you Qi and status quo of your internal organs will be drawn upon by the acupuncturist, and treated to help you restore balance. A physical examination will be necessary for any muscular-skeletal related problems and may be treated through acupuncture. Each treatment may vary from person to person as it is tailored according to the individual’s condition.

If acupuncture is recommended, expect anywhere from twenty to forty five minutes as the duration of the treatment. Electro-acupuncture is a commonly used today as a means to allow better flow of Qi through stimulation.

Are there any side effects to the treatment?

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing beings to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel, or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These occasional reactions should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the treatment is starting to work.

It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

What are the needles like? Do they hurt?

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and solid, made from stainless steel. The points is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not the same as injections or blood extraction. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle and occurs rarely.

Because your doctor carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposables needles, there is extremely miniscule risk of infection from the treatments.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

No, but acupuncture will make a believer out of you. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses, and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. Having a neutral attitude, such as not knowing if it will work or not, will not block the treatment results, but the idea of your treatment is to get better, thus having that good mentality will make your experience more enjoyable and helpful to your health.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For a complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be highly recommended. For acute problems, usually few visits are recommended, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year are recommended and may be all that is necessary. The number of treatments might range from a few times a year to a few times a month, depending on the patient as well as the symptom.

Are there any "do's" or "don'ts" for me on the day of a treatment?

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

- Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.

- Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.

- Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.

- Continue to take any prescriptions medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs or with or without alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.

- Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your responses is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.

After having a few treatments, you will realize the effects acupuncture has on you. So before you do know them, try to maintain the guidelines. You will be able to adjust them as you progress in your health status and your treatments.