Frequently Asked Questions
What can acupuncture treat? Acupuncture can be helpful in treating: acute and chronic pain, stress and related symptoms, allergies, digestive disorders, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, anxiety, addiction, women's health issues, bell's palsy and much more! People also get acupuncture treatments for health maintenance and relaxation.
What conditions do you treat most frequently in your clinic? I regularly treat a variety of pain conditions: back pain, sciatic pain, knee pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, and headaches, to name a few. I also regularly treat stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, allergies, digestive issues, and women's health issues.
How do you treat back pain when someone is sitting in a recliner? All of the acupuncture channels start in the hands or feet and go throughout the body. So, I can use points on the hands and feet, and also on the arms and legs, to treat pain anywhere in the body. While there are some acupuncturists who would place needles in your back to treat back pain, that is not the style of acupuncture that I practice.
Does acupuncture hurt? People often feel nothing or a very slight sensation when the needles are inserted. Most people find acupuncture treatments very relaxing and comfortable. While you are resting with the needles, you may feel some tingling, heaviness, lightness, warmth, or other sensations. These sensations are normal. If you become uncomfortable for any reason during your treatment, please let me know.
Are the needles sterile? Yes, I use only sterile, single-use needles.
Can acupuncture help me? Acupuncture treats the whole person and helps restore balance to the body. It is a safe and gentle choice for the treatment of many health conditions. Acupuncture is most effective when it is received frequently and regularly. If you have any questions about whether acupuncture can help you, please feel free to contact me.
What conditions do you treat most frequently in your clinic? I regularly treat a variety of pain conditions: back pain, sciatic pain, knee pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, and headaches, to name a few. I also regularly treat stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, allergies, digestive issues, and women's health issues.
How do you treat back pain when someone is sitting in a recliner? All of the acupuncture channels start in the hands or feet and go throughout the body. So, I can use points on the hands and feet, and also on the arms and legs, to treat pain anywhere in the body. While there are some acupuncturists who would place needles in your back to treat back pain, that is not the style of acupuncture that I practice.
Does acupuncture hurt? People often feel nothing or a very slight sensation when the needles are inserted. Most people find acupuncture treatments very relaxing and comfortable. While you are resting with the needles, you may feel some tingling, heaviness, lightness, warmth, or other sensations. These sensations are normal. If you become uncomfortable for any reason during your treatment, please let me know.
Are the needles sterile? Yes, I use only sterile, single-use needles.
Can acupuncture help me? Acupuncture treats the whole person and helps restore balance to the body. It is a safe and gentle choice for the treatment of many health conditions. Acupuncture is most effective when it is received frequently and regularly. If you have any questions about whether acupuncture can help you, please feel free to contact me.
How many treatments will I need? Acupuncture is a gentle and gradual medicine. It works by stimulating the body's own self-healing mechanisms. You will receive more benefit from a series of treatments than from just one treatment. I often recommend starting out with four to six treatments as an initial treatment plan. For acute conditions, several treatments in a short time are most effective. For chronic conditions, regular treatments over a longer period of time are more effective. I will discuss a treatment plan with you after your first treatment. In the meantime, a look at a treatment frequency chart will give you some general guidelines.
How long does a treatment last? You should allow an hour for your first appointment. Most people rest with their needles in for 30 to 40 minutes, but you are welcome to stay up to an hour if there is space available.
How much does a treatment cost? I charge on a sliding scale of $40 to $60. You decide what you can afford. I accept cash, checks, and credit or debit cards (including flex spending cards and health savings account cards). I do not accept insurance. The amount that you pay does not affect the quality or length of your treatment.
Why do you use a sliding scale? The purpose of the sliding scale is to separate the issues of money and treatment. I want you to come in often enough to really get better and stay better! I understand that everyone's situation is different, and my primary goal is to make acupuncture available to you as often as you need it. Please feel free to pay any amount between $40 and $60, as I want acupuncture to be an economically sustainable part of your life and health care.
Should I come in for my appointment if I am feeling sick? Acupuncture can often help to alleviate the symptoms of minor ailments like the common cold. However, if you are experiencing fever or other flu-like symptoms (chills, aches, etc.), major gastrointestinal upset, or a highly contagious ailment such as strep throat or pink eye, please reschedule your appointment for another time.
What is the NADA protocol? Also known as the Five Needle Protocol (5NP), or acudetox, the NADA protocol uses five designated points in each ear. Originally developed as an adjunct treatment for addiction, the NADA protocol is now widely used to treat addiction, stress, PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia. The NADA protocol is great for people who want to quit smoking or address other addictive habits.
How long does a treatment last? You should allow an hour for your first appointment. Most people rest with their needles in for 30 to 40 minutes, but you are welcome to stay up to an hour if there is space available.
How much does a treatment cost? I charge on a sliding scale of $40 to $60. You decide what you can afford. I accept cash, checks, and credit or debit cards (including flex spending cards and health savings account cards). I do not accept insurance. The amount that you pay does not affect the quality or length of your treatment.
Why do you use a sliding scale? The purpose of the sliding scale is to separate the issues of money and treatment. I want you to come in often enough to really get better and stay better! I understand that everyone's situation is different, and my primary goal is to make acupuncture available to you as often as you need it. Please feel free to pay any amount between $40 and $60, as I want acupuncture to be an economically sustainable part of your life and health care.
Should I come in for my appointment if I am feeling sick? Acupuncture can often help to alleviate the symptoms of minor ailments like the common cold. However, if you are experiencing fever or other flu-like symptoms (chills, aches, etc.), major gastrointestinal upset, or a highly contagious ailment such as strep throat or pink eye, please reschedule your appointment for another time.
What is the NADA protocol? Also known as the Five Needle Protocol (5NP), or acudetox, the NADA protocol uses five designated points in each ear. Originally developed as an adjunct treatment for addiction, the NADA protocol is now widely used to treat addiction, stress, PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia. The NADA protocol is great for people who want to quit smoking or address other addictive habits.