FAQ

 1.What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique for moving energy, or Qi, by inserting thin, sterilized, disposable needles at particular points on the body. When the body is in a state of health, qi and blood flow freely through the body along the 12 main pathways, or meridians, like water in a river. Pain and disease arise when there is an imbalance caused by too much qi (excess), not enough qi (deficiency) or stuck qi (stagnation). Acupuncture regulates qi to return the body to a state of balance.

2. How does acupuncture work?

From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture stimulates nerve impulses that travel via the spinal cord to the brain. This causes the release of many different chemicals such as endorphins, muscle relaxants and histamine that help promote a biochemical balance. Acupuncture engages the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, the central nervous system, the immune system and the endocrine system, bringing about a decrease in pain, relief of symptoms or resolution of the illness. Acupuncture not only treats symptoms, but the root cause of illness as well.

3. What can acupuncture treat?

Although acupuncture is touted for its effects on chronic and acute pain, it actually treats a wide array of ailments including: acne, addiction, allergies, asthma, anxiety, common cold, depression, diabetes, diarrhea, fatigue, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, heartburn, impotence, infertility, insomnia, menopause, menstrual cramps, post-surgery, skin disorders, smoking cessation and stress.

4. Does acupuncture hurt?

Despite our social stigmas surrounding needles, acupuncture needles are wire-thin, comparable to thickness of a strand of hair. Most people barely feel the needles as they are inserted. On some of the most powerfully active points, there may be a slight pinch, which subsides almost immediately. Once the needles are in, you might notice a tingling or gentle sensation around the area that feels like water trickling. This is called “arrival of qi” and affirms the therapeutic effects of the acupuncture.

5. What should I expect on my first visit?

There will be some forms for the initial visit and we will sit down with you to go over your health history. We also may ask you questions related to your body functions including your digestion, bowel habits, urination, sleep, appetite, and your subjective temperature. We will look at your tongue, feel your pulses. Chinese medicine considers all this information in order to do a differential diagnosis and come up with a treatment strategy. It will take about 90 mins including the first treatment.

6. How can I prepare myself for acupuncture treatments?

We recommend you eat a light snack before coming in. Wear loose fitting clothes if possible, otherwise a gown/blanket can be provided for draping to allow access to your legs and abdomen. Also, you may want to use the washroom before the treatment in order to relax completely.

7. How long does the regular treatment take?

Most appointments take about 45–50 minutes. About 30 minutes of that is the time you will be undergoing treatment.

8. How many treatments are required before I see the result?

As you may expect, the longer you had the problem, the longer it takes to treat. If you had the illness for a year it may take a month of treatments to see results. We always work very hard to see the positive outcome as soon as possible. If you are in severe discomfort we may see you twice a week, otherwise once a week treatments are recommended.

9. Does insurance cover acupuncture treatments?

The best way to find out is by calling your insurance company since each insurance company has different coverage. Insurance companies in the Midwest are increasingly covering acupuncture. We would be happy to check your benefits. You also can use a Health Savings Account/Flex Spending dollars toward your acupuncture treatments. We will provide you with the invoice after treatment. It will include all of the information you need in order to submit for reimbursement. Our practice is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

10.Do you reuse the acupuncture needles?
The needles are single-use, sterilized, stainless steel. They are disposed of and new needles are used for each treatment.

11. Is it safe for pregnant women to receive acupuncture?

We treat women all stages of pregnancy, and adapt treatments as you move through each trimester. Our treatments are both safe and effective for a wide array of pregnancy and postpartum ailments.

Call 815-242-2558 to get more information