What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with a written history in China of 2000 years but dating back before recorded history. It is currently used by a quarter of the world’s population, mostly in Asia, and its popularity is growing rapidly in the west as scientific trials prove its efficacy. Acupuncture consists of the insertion of extremely fine needles into specific points to regulate the systems of the body and alleviate pain.

Acupuncture is used along with herbal medicine and dietary therapy to help the patient heal naturally and completely.

How does acupuncture work?

The Chinese have developed, over thousands of years, a working theory of acupuncture. They discovered pathways along the body that related to the organs and systems of the body, through which “qi” traveled. They found that when there was illness, the qi was blocked, excessive, deficient, or unbalanced. Acupuncture was one way of restoring and balancing the flow of qi. By inserting needles in certain points along the channels and manipulating the qi flowing through those channels, organ function could be regulated. It can relax the muscles and inflammation is reduced. Pain can also be alleviated.

Over the thousands of years that have passed, the doctors recorded their observations every generation learning from and improving upon those that came before. Today acupuncture is benefiting from modern research techniques.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. The acupuncture needle is an extremely fine, disposable (one-use), sterile, FDA approved medical device. A licensed acupuncturist has undergone years of training in its safe implementation.

Is acupuncture painful?

When administered by a skilled professional it should not hurt. The hair-thin needles are not to be compared with the thick hypodermic syringes used for shots. The insertion feels like a tug on a body hair. After the needle is inserted their may be a feeling of tingling, a sensation of something moving, a warm feeling, etc. Many find it an enjoyable experience.

How many treatments will I need?

Depending on the nature, severity and duration of the complaint,the course of treatment will vary. Most problems can be fixed quickly, while more chronic conditions may be relieved only with time and effort. The speed of progress with long-standing chronic issues is much determined by the patients willingness to live and eat well in conjunction with the treatment.

Does my insurance company cover Acupuncture?

You can find out if your insurance provides acupuncture benefits by calling your insurance company's patient information or benefits line. This number can be found on your insurance card.

If your insurance provider does cover acupuncture, here are a few questions that you can ask to determine your eligibility and coverage:

1. How many treatments do I get?
2. How much does the insurance company pay?
3. What is the normal co-pay for acupuncture from a preferred provider? (This is the amount you would pay out-of-pocket for each visit to a practitioner on their provider list.)
4. What percentage will I pay for out-of-network practitioners?  (This is the amount you would pay out-of-pocket for each visit to a practitioner who is NOT on their provider list.)
5. Who must provide the acupuncture?
6. Will I need a referral from an MD to see the acupuncturist?
7. What is my deductible?
8. What conditions are covered for acupuncture? (Many plans only cover the treatment of pain)

*As a courtesy we would be more than happy to call and verify your Acupuncture benefits for you. Call 954-731-8097 and ask to have your Acupuncture benefits explained to you. Make sure to have your insurance card available.