Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical conditions. The World Health Organization recognizes the ability of acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine to treat over 43 common disorders including; Gastrointestinal Disorders, Uro-genital Disorders, Gynecological Disorders, Respiratory Disorders, Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System, Circulatory Disorders, Emotional and Psychological Disorders, Addictions, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders. Acupuncture has also been effective in treating other chronic and painful debilitating disorders, which have no clear explanation or origin. Many who are not experiencing dis-ease also seek treatment to maximize their wellness and maintain balance. The greatest reason to begin acupuncture treatment is to cultivate vitality and radiant health and to stimulate the tremendous healing power of the body, mind and spirit.

Acupuncture is commonly used to alleviate pain, such as headaches, migraines, and back pain. It can also be beneficial for addressing infertility, women’s health, stress, anxiety, digestive issues, and various other health concerns. Additionally, acupuncture is often sought out for its ability to support overall wellness and preventive care.

Most people experience minimal to no discomfort during acupuncture treatments. The insertion of the needles is often described as a slight tingling or dull ache, and any sensations typically subside quickly.

The number of acupuncture sessions required varies depending on the individual and the specific condition being addressed. For some acute issues, relief may be felt after just a few sessions, while chronic conditions may require ongoing treatment.

Insurance companies are recognizing acupuncture as a covered benefit. As a service to my patients I am happy to verify your insurance and as a courtesy I offer in house insurance billing to all patients who have acupuncture benefits. I currently bill insurance for patients who have acupuncture benefits with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Johns Hopkins, VA, and United Health Care.

Absolutely not. Many patients come for regular treatments to achieve increased effectiveness and enjoyment in life. Acupuncture can also be a powerful preventative measure to keep patients healthy throughout the year. In China an acupuncturist's job was to keep their patients well. Acupuncturists would get paid only when his/her patients were well. When their patients were sick they wouldn't get paid as it was looked at as if they weren't doing their job.

Patients report having less physical pain, improved quality of sleep, being sick less often and recovering more quickly, improvement of vitality and stamina, relationships with others deepening and becoming more harmonious, and reductions in long term health care costs. A recent survey of people who receive acupuncture, conducted by Claire Cassidy, Ph.D., indicates that they see their physicians less frequently and use fewer medications. In addition, over two thirds of those surveyed reported having avoided recommended surgery.

Your initial appointment is 90 minutes. During this time, you will have the opportunity to speak at length about your health concerns and I will complete a health history with you. Following the health history you receive your first acupuncture treatment. Follow up treatment lasts 45-60 minutes and is scheduled weekly for the first 4-6 weeks. Once balance is created and treatments start to hold for longer periods of time treatments are spaced out to every other week, every 3 weeks, and so on. This will vary for each patient and I am happy to discuss your treatment plan with you at any appointment.

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, no thicker than two human hairs. The needles have no resemblance to a hypodermic syringe. The needles are individually packaged, sterilized, and disposed of after each use. Most needles are inserted just beneath the skin. Sensations vary from person to person, ranging from nothing at all to a brief ache or feeling of pressure in the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. By and large patients describe the sensations as fleeting and the treatment experience as deeply relaxing.

Moxa is made from the herb Mugwort or Artemisia Vulgaris and is used in conjunction with acupuncture needles. The plant is dried, powdered and then formed into a wool-like substance. It is then burned on or above the skin to release its therapeutic properties at the location of acupuncture points. This practice is called Moxibustion. When burned, moxa penetrates the acupuncture channels, increasing warmth, energy (Qi), blood flow, circulation, eliminating cold and the accumulation of fluids. Modern research has shown that Moxa increases the production of white and red blood cells improving blood and lymph circulation and is extremely effective for long standing chronic disease of the internal organs. Burning moxa has a distinct odor that patients generally report as having a pleasant and relaxing smell. The essential oils in the plant have a significant effect as a form of aromatherapy or medicinal incense. A large part of its healing ability is not just the warmth it provides but also the smell of the burning oils.