- What is acupuncture?
- Is acupuncture safe?
- How can acupuncture help me?
- What common conditions does acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treat?
- Does acupuncture hurt?
- Who can have treatment?
- What is Chinese herbal medicine?
- What should I expect during my visit?
- How much does a visit cost?
- How many treatments will I need?
- Does Metropolitan Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine accept insurance?
Question: What is acupuncture?
Answer:
Acupuncture, which has its origins dating back over 2,500 years ago, is a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical locations on or in the skin by a variety of techniques using stainless steel needles to reduce pain and to regulate various internal processes. By stimulating various acupuncture points, the qi (life energy) of the body can be unblocked and brought into a state of balance. As a result, qi can move freely throughout the body, promoting pain-free health, well-being and vitality.
Question: Is acupuncture safe?
Answer:
Acupuncture is safe when administered by a licensed acupuncturist. Acupuncture needles are sterile, solid stainless steel, FDA approved and most are hair-thin in diameter. An acupuncture needle is smooth and rounded not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needles are not made to cut the skin. Each needle is used only once, and then it is disposed of so there is no risk for infection.
Acupuncturists who are also Diplomates in Oriental Medicine are required to have a minimum of 870 clinical hours, pass a set of rigorous national board exams conducted by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the Clean Needle Technique Certification conducted by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) before they are authorized to practice as Licensed Acupuncturists.
Confirm a practitioner’s NCCAOM certification.
Question: How can acupuncture help me?
Answer:
Acupuncture can help you to reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, relieve pain/inflammation, promote fertiltiy and much more by encouraging your body to naturally heal itself and re-establish health. It does this by stimulating natural anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing chemicals, i.e. endorphins, and by encouraging the healthy flow of qi and blood throughout your body. The ancient Chinese learned over two millenia ago that many illnesses and health-related conditions could be corrected or prevented using acupuncture to unblock qi and blood stagnation in the body.
Acupuncture is a proven, safe and drug-free alternative to healing and strengthening your mind, body and spirit. Acupuncture, in conjuction with herbal medicine, treat the root cause of disease, not just the symptoms, by addressing all aspects of a person’s health.
Question: What common conditions does acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treat?
Answer:
Please click on the “Conditions Treated“ tab above.
Question: Does acupuncture hurt?
Answer:
When acupuncture is properly performed it should not be painful. One may feel a very brief sensation when a needle is inserted. In many cases, patients often report feeling relaxed. It is common to feel a brief tingling or dull aching-like sensation when a needle is placed in the correct position. In traditional Chinese medicine this is known as “da qi,’” i.e. the arrival of qi, and it is often anticipated.
Question: Who can have treatment?
Answer:
People of any age or constitution can utilize acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Children and pregnant women can safely and effectively be treated as well. Previous or current illness, conditions and medication will be taken into account before treatment is provided.
Question: What is Chinese herbal medicine?
Answer:
Chinese herbal medicine is a system of medicine which uses various remedies derived from plants, flowers, trees, roots, animals and minerals to harmonize imbalances in the body and treat illness. Often five or more Chinese herbs are made up to make one formula. Formulas are usually made into decocted teas or made into powders or pills to be ingested.
When prescribed by a skilled practitioner, Chinese herbal medicine is a safe, natural and effective way to treat a wide array of health-related conditions.
Question: What should I expect during my visit?
Answer:
At each visit you will be given a careful exam and work-up of your current condition, a relaxing and calming acupuncture treatment, an herbal medicine consult, dietary modifications and lifestyle management recommendations based on traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, an herbal medicine formula may be recommended at the end of your visit depending on your condition. The first visit is 1.5 hours in duration and all subsequent visits are 1 hour in duration.
Question: How much does a visit cost?
Answer:
The initial visit is $120 and is 1.5 hours in duration. A subsequent visit is $90 and is 1 hour in duration. We also have discounted rates for multi-visit packages. Please inquire.
Question: How many treatments will I need?
Answer:
The number of treatments differs from person to person because each person’s health-related issue and cause is unique. Generally, chronic conditions usually require more treatments compared to acute conditions.
Question: Does Metropolitan Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine accept insurance?
Answer:
Yes, we do accept certain insurance benefits.
In addition, if your insurance plan or other program does cover acupuncture, we will assist you when you seek reimbursement from you insurance provider. We will give you an itemized invoice of the services rendered so that you can submit them for reimbursement.
We accept cash, credit card, check and Medical and Flexible-Spending Accounts (FSA). Payment is required at the time service is rendered.