Frequently Asked Questions


What is Acupuncture?


Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the patient’s body/mind/spirit to promote natural healing and improve function. This is done by inserting sterilized, stainless-steel needles (that are as fine as a human hair) into specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to bring a person closer to their true capacity for health and vitality.

What is Five Element Acupuncture


Five Element Acupuncture is somewhat different from what is popularly known as TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine. Five Element Acupuncture is not merely aimed at reducing or changing physical symptoms, but is restorative on a spirit, mind and body level.
We treat our patients with highly individualized treatments based on their own nature. That is, we see an individual in her entirety as an expression of Qi (pronounced “chee.”) which is the life force. That person manifests that expression of the life force as no other can.

Treatment is a point of inquiry for the practitioner and the patient. Symptoms show up when we aren’t living in accordance with our own nature, when we fall out of step with ourselves. Treatment helps a person tap back into her own power of being. Treatment helps to create transformation on many levels. Symptoms point the way home. When we arrive back home in ourselves, the symptoms disappear.

What are the needles like?


Only sterile, disposable needles are used so there is no risk of infection. We use a needle once, then it’s disposed. Acupuncture needles are small and hair-thin. They are solid, not hollow like needles used by doctors. The end of an acupuncture needle is smooth and rounded. Acupuncture needles are not designed to cut the skin. Instead, when an acupuncture needle is inserted, the round edge pushes the tissue aside without cutting it. Acupuncture needles are so thin it's as if they can glide through the spaces between the individual cells of the body.

US FDA Regulation of Acupuncture Needles

In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed the experimental status tag on acupuncture needles.The FDA reclassified acupuncture needles, regulating them as it does medical devices such as surgical scalpels and hypodermic syringes. Acupuncture needles must now be manufactured according to single-use standards of sterility.

Does it hurt?

People experience needling differently. There are different styles of needling. I needle in Japanese style which is a gentle insertion of the needle under the skin, and the qi rises to the needle. Acupuncture needles I insert are sometimes described as very briefly painful, and can be quickly adjusted if my patient does feel discomfort. If any sensation is experienced during insertion, it is often compared to a mosquito bite and disappears very quickly. Once the needles are inserted, they may be manipulated to obtain a mild "Qi" sensation. This is how an acupuncturist engages the energy in your body in order to help balance it. Often people describe their sensations as warming, heavy, numb or tingling. I take great care to make my clients very comfortable so that they can relax while the needles are in place. The more you can relax during an acupuncture treatment, the better the results. Many people even fall asleep during treatment.
Following treatment it is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.

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

No. Acupuncture works whether or not you think it will. Acupuncture is even used successfully on animals and children. They do not understand or believe in the process, yet they get better anyway. A positive attitude helps with any type of therapy but it is not necessary to believe in acupuncture (or to feel it working) for it to work.
Since positive expectations and belief in a particular therapy help to increase therapeutic results, I encourage you to raise any concerns or doubts you may have about acupuncture. I'd like to help you to better understand acupuncture and Chinese Medicine so that you may have the most positive healing experience possible. You are invited to contact me today, and I will personally respond to any questions or comments promptly.

Does insurance cover the cost of acupuncture?

Many insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatments. All plans are different so the best way to find out is to call the number on the back of your card. There is a representative that will be happy to answer your questions.

How much does acupuncture cost?

My treatments are usually recommended about once a week for a time. The first session includes a history and physical and lasts 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The fee is $230. All subsequent treatments are $115. Because it is rare to need less than 8 treatments, I have a pre-pay option you can discuss with me. It includes a substantial discount for prepaid sessions.

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