What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one branch of Chinese Medicine which involves the insertion of very fine needles into therapeutic points
along the body for the purpose of maintaining / restoring health and disease prevention. Acupuncture stimulates the body's own
natural healing ability to correct imbalances and restore it to
a healthy equilbrium. Heat and electrical stimulation may be used in conjunction with acupuncture needles to enhance efficacy of treatment.
How does it work?
Chinese Medicine views all life to possess a vital energy called qi (pronounced CHEE). Qi flows through specific pathways along the entire body called meridians. Qi serves to nourish, warm and propel all bodily processes, such as breathing and digestion. An obstruction of qi dynamic will disrupt normal physiological activities of the body, and if free flow cannot be restored, illness will ensue.
Stimulation of acupuncture points along the meridians can help unobstruct and restore the flow of qi, relieving illness.
What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
Acupuncture is based on a holistic view of health that takes into consideration the physical body, mind, emotions and lifestyle habits. The World Health Organization has identified many conditions that can be effectively treated by acupuncture. A partial list is available on our Benefits of Acupuncture page.
How does scientific research explain how acupuncture works?
Scientific studies have revealed that acupuncture stimulates the release of chemicals in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord) and muscles. These chemicals alter the perception of pain and trigger chemicals / hormone release which influence the body's own internal regulatory mechanism.
How deep do the needles go?
Depth depends on the location of the acupuncture points used, nature of your condition, your constitution and size. For example, needling of acupuncture points on the head, fingers and toes are relatively shallow compared to those on the back, abdomen or the legs.
Does it hurt?
Normal sensations elicited by acupuncture include heaviness, tingling or electrical sensation around or radiating up / down from the area of needle insertion.
Are the needles clean?
Yes. All needles that are used are sterile and for single-use. They are disposed of immediately after use.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the nature, severity and duration of your condition.
Generally speaking, for acute conditions - 1-2 treatments; chronic conditions - 6-15 treatments; degenerative conditions - regular treatments over the long term. Your acupuncturist will suggest a treatment plan and timeline of care for your unique condition.
Is there anything I need to do before receiving treatment?
Yes. Please check our First Visit page for tips on preparing for your appointment with us.
Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
The best thing to do is to relax and refrain from movement while the needles are in. If there is any discomfort, please bring it to the attention of the acupuncturist.
What can I expect after treatment?
Please check our First Visit page for more information.
Why does my acupuncturist check my pulse and my tongue?
Pulse and tongue examinations are unique diagnostic tools used by practitioners of Chinese Medicine. In pulse diagnosis, we are checking the rate, quality and location of your pulses. In tongue examination, we check for the shape, size, color of your tongue body and the tongue coating. The tongue is rich in blood and nerve supply. For this reason, any changes in your circulation can easily be detected.
Do you accept health insurance?
You will be responsible for full payment of services rendered. If your insurance policy covers acupunture services, we will be happy to provide you with a superbill, which is an invoice, that you can submit to your insurance company for partial or full reimbursement, depending on your policy.
Do check with your insurance company regarding limitations to your coverage on acupuncture services? For a list of questions you should ask, visit the Our Services page.
What is "L.Ac."? What is "C.Ac."? What is the difference?
L.Ac. stands for "Licensed in Acupuncture", a professional designation granted by the State of New York. You may also see the "C.Ac." or "C.A." designation for physicians who are "Certified in Acupuncture".
It is an important distinction. In New York State, Licensed Acupuncturists undergo a formal education and training that includes a minimum of 1,800 classroom and clinical hours that are completed over 3 years or more. Each and every licensed acupuncturist are required to see hundreds of patients through rigorous clinical internship, and is required by the State of New York to pass the national board examination given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) before being allowed to practice
In contrast, physicians who receive a Certificate in Acupuncture are only required to take 300 classroom hours, roughly equivalent to less than 2 semesters of classroom time of the typical acupuncture degree program. There is no clinical internship requirement, and therefore many often never see a single patient prior to receiving their certification. Furthermore, in some cases, the didactic hours can even be fulfilled through distance learning. There is also no requirement to pass the NCCAOM board examination before being allowed to practice acupuncture. A word of caution: some practitioners may improperly (and illegally) use the designation when they are not licensed at all, or only Certified. Make sure that the practitioner you choose is qualified to use the "L.Ac." designation! It is there for your safety!
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