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 These are a
few of the questions that patients often have about
acupuncture and their therapeutic experience:
Q: What sorts of conditions do you treat?
A: Though patients and practitioners most commonly think
of acupuncture as being effective for pain syndromes,
aches and pains, and sports medicine, in my practice, I
have found acupuncture to be effective for a surprising
variety of conditions. Among these are allergies and
asthma, insomnia and depression, migraines, digestive
disturbances, menopausal and menstrual problems.
(In traditional Chinese medicine, this is not surprising
at all. Pain is a manifestation of a blockage or imbalance
in the meridians. But the reason the body has not healed
itself is because of a disturbance at a deeper level. So
in needling the meridians, you change the deeper level,
also.)
Q: What made you decide to go into acupuncture instead
of allopathic medicine?
A: Though I am double boarded in Anesthesiology and
pediatrics and worked as a staff anesthesiologist in San
Francisco for almost a decade, I developed a significant
allergy to latex (the major component in surgical gloves)
and was required to leave practice. I became interested in
acupuncture thinking I could use it as an adjunct to
traditional pain management, but became so interested in
its possiblilities, that I decided to devote my practice
solely to acupuncture as taught in traditional Chinese
medicine. I am convinced that acupuncture can play a role
in conditions that are often ill-treated by allopathic
medicine, and are a valuable asset in the treatment of
stress. Stress is a key component in many aspects of
health, disease, and longevity, and acupuncture can help
to alleviate this adverse condition.
Q: How does Acupuncture work?
A: From a western, scientific standpoint there seem to be
many mechanisms by which acupuncture works. It works at
the local level, i.e. at the point of injury or pain by
releasing neurotransmitters, and allowing for better blood
flow, and less perception of pain. But there are clearly
more global mechanisms at play also. It increases
endorphins (natural painkillers); it modulates the central
nervous system, and can improve immunity.
(Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that the needles are
a system to balance the energy flow in meridians, and thus
relieves pain. But it also teaches that treating the
meridian that corresponds to it can heal each of the five
organs and entrails. The “spirit” itself can be balanced
by correct treatment.)
Q: How much do you charge?
A: I charge $95 for the first visit and then $75 a visit
after that. I accept cash, check and credit card. I have a
very efficient billing manager who will file claims for
you for your reimbursement from any insurance coverage you
might have, and has been excellent at getting patients’
reimbursement.
Q: How long does a treatment take?
A: The first session will take about 1 hour and 15
minutes. After that, subsequent treatments will take an
hour from entering the office to leaving. The needles
usually remain in place about 25 to 30 minutes.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Typically the needles are barely felt. But some
patients are more sensitive than others are. In those
cases, fewer needles are used, or different types of
stimulation are employed.
Q: Do you use disposable needles?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there anything special I need to do to help the
acupuncture be successful?
A: The most important thing for patients to do is to be
patient! If you are being treated for a pain syndrome,
heat (NON-ELECTRICAL, PLEASE!) should be applied at least
once the day of treatment. The other thing is to stay
consistent with your appointments. As with so many
processes in life, consistency is as more important than
the number of visits. Visualization, of course, is a great
adjunct, but not necessary.
Q: How many treatments will it take?
A: For acute conditions, a treatment or two can be enough
( an acute back spasm, neck spasm, labor induction, etc…)
but for more chronic ailments, 80% of patients will see
results within 4 treatments. 90% of patients will see
results within 6 treatments. If the treatments seem to be
working, the goal is then to space out the therapy until
no further therapy is needed or occasional “booster”
visits.
Q: Do I need to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
A: Acupuncture works best on babies, children and animals.
They certainly don’t “believe” in it. Acupuncture studies
are carried out on laboratory rats, which are not
influenced by belief. That said, the main advantage of
“belief” in my point of view, is that it motivates the
paient to keep their appointments, follow through, and not
give up prematurely. The biggest waste of time and money
is to not give your treatments a chance to work. You are,
in a sense, training your system to repsond in a new way,
and it can take some time. Be patient and you will be
rewarded with a result that will make you healthier in
many ways, not just rid of symptoms.
Q: What can I expect after a treatment?
A: Sometimes patients feel better immediately after
treatment, but not always. Some people feel energetic and
a distinct sense of well being. But about 30% of patients
will have an increase or exacerbation of symptoms after
the first treatment, and maybe even the second. Another
common occurrence after the first and maybe second
treatment is to feel tired and an increased sleep
requirement or need to nap.
Q: Will Insurance pay for my treatments?
A: Increasingly, insurance companies will cover some of
the cost of the visit, acupuncture, and infrared therapy.
Medicare will NOT pay for any portion.
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