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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is a modality in one of the oldest forms of medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is a natural, safe form of medicine that has little to no side effect. It can also be safely combined with many other forms of treatment. Hair-thin needles are inserted in points along the meridian channels to promote smooth flow of Qi (pronounced "chi"), which in most cases are translated into English as "vital energy".
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Acupuncture works in a series of treatments, tapping into the body's primary healing mechanism and promoting homeostasis. Any imbalance in our body's systems can lead to a myriad of symptoms, ranging from physical pain to psychological issues like depression or anxiety. Many Western studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can trigger various physiological responses. Some examples include stimulating the immune system, regulating blood sugar levels, affecting digestion through regulation of peristaltic movements, and regulating pain receptors and serotonin secretion.
Q: What does acupuncture treat?
Probably most known for its pain management effects, acupuncture has a proven track record dealing with a wide range of clinical issues. Because TCM is a comprehensive approach to treat the entire body, it can diagnose and treat an incredibly wide range of conditions, promoting true healing. TCM diagnoses the body in a way that is completely different from conventional Western medicine.
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While it cannot guarantee a cure, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institute of Health (NIH) have compiled a list of conditions successfully treated with acupuncture. Some key conditions are:
- Addiction - alcohol, drug, smoking
- Anxiety and Depression
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Chronic fatigue
- Common Colds
- Constipation
- Dental pain
- Menstrual irregularities and pain
- Menopausal symptoms
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Conception difficulties
- Digestive disorders
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Emotional disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-surgical recovery
- General well-being
If your condition is not mentioned above, or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
Q: How does acupuncture feel?
Acupuncture needles are thin, solid, and sterilized disposable needles for single-use. Many people don't feel anything when they are being inserted, while others may feel a slight pinch, possibly followed by sensations of tingling, pulsating, or heaviness. These are all normal sensations referred to as "Qi sensations". Often, people feel deep relaxation during treatments. (Some even take a little nap!)
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Many remain relaxed for hours or even days after the treatment. Others will feel energized as a result. On rare occasions, people feel worse after treatment. This can happen when the energy blockages and sensations that were dulled by chronic illness is released, and patients experience past symptoms or heightened sensitivity as the body's condition reverse course. This will subside and they will begin to feel better with continued treatment.
Q: How many treatments do I need?
This will depend on the duration and severity of the condition being treated as well as the medical history and overall health of the individual. On average, those with acute conditions are advised to receive 4-5 weekly treatments, while those with more chronic conditions may need 9-10 weekly treatments. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect, where each treatment builds on the previous treatment. So it is difficult to say exactly how many treatments will be needed.
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Once the condition is resolved, some terminate treatment entirely, while others may want to continue with monthly "tune-up" treatments.
For some, effect is immediate. But for others, it may take a combination of acupuncture and herbal treatments along with dietary or behavioral changes being actively followed by the patient. In these cases, it would likely take a few months of treatment.
For some, effect is immediate. But for others, it may take a combination of acupuncture and herbal treatments along with dietary or behavioral changes being actively followed by the patient. In these cases, it would likely take a few months of treatment.
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Download and print New Patient Form (pdf) as well as the Informed Consent Form (pdf) below and fill them out before your first visit. If you don't have access to a printer, no worries! Try to come to the office 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allow easy access to your arms and legs, possibly abdomen or back. Try to remember to eat something, even if it is a light snack, 1-2 hours before your treatment.
Allow 90 minutes for your first visit. Much like an initial visit to a Western doctor, your first visit will begin with a thorough intake of the main condition(s) you want to focus on, as well as your overall medical/health history. Lisa will take your pulse and observe your tongue, the two primary objective methods of assessing the patient in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Other forms of assessment may apply as well. This part will take 30-60 minutes. 20-40 minutes will be devoted to treatment. Subsequent sessions will have both intake and treatment components.
The duration and frequency of subsequent treatments will vary by individual, and will be discussed during your first visit.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allow easy access to your arms and legs, possibly abdomen or back. Try to remember to eat something, even if it is a light snack, 1-2 hours before your treatment.
Allow 90 minutes for your first visit. Much like an initial visit to a Western doctor, your first visit will begin with a thorough intake of the main condition(s) you want to focus on, as well as your overall medical/health history. Lisa will take your pulse and observe your tongue, the two primary objective methods of assessing the patient in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Other forms of assessment may apply as well. This part will take 30-60 minutes. 20-40 minutes will be devoted to treatment. Subsequent sessions will have both intake and treatment components.
The duration and frequency of subsequent treatments will vary by individual, and will be discussed during your first visit.
NEW PATIENT FORMS
FEES AND INSURANCE
Forms of Payment
We accept payments at the time of service in cash, checks, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB). Many HSA accounts cover acupuncture and herbs as well.
About Insurance
Most insurance companies in Washington provide some coverage for acupuncture treatments. Your insurance carrier and the specific health plan you have will determine what coverage you have. Lisa is in-network for some insurance carriers. For those she is not in-network with, she can bill as an out-of-network provider . In order to best serve you, we can verify your insurance benefits before you arrive. Please fill out the form below with your insurance information so that we can verify your benefits. Please note that Medicare currently does not cover acupuncture. If for whatever reason your insurance is not verified before your treatment, you will be charged the normal time of service fee until verification is obtained.
Many plans have flat co-pay fee or deductibles that need to be met. Keep in mind that many insurance companies only cover acupuncture for certain conditions, and also regulate how the treatment is rendered, which is not always the best way for the individual patient. Please be advised that while we will verify your insurance benefits, it is not a guarantee your treatments will be covered. Actual benefits are assessed when the insurance company receives the bill. You are responsible for any co-payments or deductibles your plan may have, as well as any fees not paid through insurance companies unless arrangements have been made prior to treatment. Your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to pay all incurred fees.
Many plans have flat co-pay fee or deductibles that need to be met. Keep in mind that many insurance companies only cover acupuncture for certain conditions, and also regulate how the treatment is rendered, which is not always the best way for the individual patient. Please be advised that while we will verify your insurance benefits, it is not a guarantee your treatments will be covered. Actual benefits are assessed when the insurance company receives the bill. You are responsible for any co-payments or deductibles your plan may have, as well as any fees not paid through insurance companies unless arrangements have been made prior to treatment. Your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to pay all incurred fees.
Private Pay
For Private Pay patients, we offer Prepayment Package Plans that result in savings. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
