Frequently Asked Questions |
What is Acupuncture?Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is thousands of years old. It is the insertion of very fine, sterilized needles into specific body locations, called acupoints. There are several hundred acupoints on the human body, each with a unique energetic function in treating disease. Acupuncture is very safe and effective when administered by a licensed professional. It is virtually painless and most people find the treatment itself to be relaxing and nurturing.Back to Top What Does Acupuncture Treat?Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can treat any disease, disorder or imbalance. Acupuncture has gained notoriety in the west for treating musculo-skeletal disorders such as arthritis, and pain syndromes, but it is also very effective at treating:
Back to Top What is an Acupuncture Treatment Like?The first session generally lasts 1.5-2 hours and begins with a comprehensive interview and medical intake. After the interview, the patient lies on the treatment table and the needles are inserted. The patient then relaxes in a serene environment, listening to music, for up to a half hour. Afterward, an herbal formula may be advised, often along with dietary suggestions.Subsequent treatments usually last one hour. After a brief interview and follow-up from the previous session, acupuncture is administered and the patient relaxes for 30-45 minutes. Acupuncture and herbal medicine work to cure the root cause of disease and not merely to mask symptoms. They also work to keep the body in balance and prevent disease! Back to Top How Many Treatments Will Be Needed?Patients usually report improvement in their symptoms after one treatment, but it may take 4-6 treatments before significant improvement is noted. The longer the health problem has existed, the longer it typically takes to treat or cure it. Acupuncture treatment in China is daily for a couple of weeks until the problem is cured or the symptoms cease. Americans generally prefer one-two treatments per week maximum, resulting in a longer total treatment period.Back to Top Does Acupuncture Hurt?Most patients feel a slight sting when the needle is inserted into the body. Afterward, an energy sensation or the gathering of qi may be felt in the area local to the needle or along the course of the meridian. Most people find it a pleasant sensation. If the patient continues to feel pain after the needle has been inserted, or if a "nervy" pain is felt, the needle is withdrawn and reinserted. Some patients don't feel any sensation at all.Back to Top What Are Your Fees?My fees are dependent upon the type of service provided, including the acupuncture protocol. Please contact me at 303-358-5596 to obtain the latest fee schedule.Back to Top Do You Take Insurance?I am a member of UnitedHealthcare and Pacificare and accept these two plans for acupuncture treatment. I prefer to receive payment at time of service, and will provide to you a "superbill" for you to file with your insurance carrier for your reimbursement. However, I can bill UnitedHealthcare or Pacificare directly. Please check with your insurance carrier prior to your first acupuncture treatment to confirm your acupuncture coverage.Back to Top What Should I Wear To An Acupuncture Session?Some of the most powerful acupoints are located below the elbow and below the knee. Patients usually remove their shoes and socks, and roll up shirt sleeves for the treatment to begin. Sometimes the back or torso is needled, in which case a hospital gown is provided after the patient disrobes.In general, dress comfortably for an acupuncture session. Sweat pants, a T-shirt, and shoes which can be easily removed are perfect! Finally, please remove all make-up prior to a facial rejuvenation session. Back to Top Can I Eat or Exercise Before or After a Treatment?It is best not to come to an acupuncture treatment excessively hungry or tired. Fainting is a possibility with acupuncture and low blood sugar or fatigue increases its risk. Therefore, it is advisable to eat an hour or two before a treatment. After a session, it is advised to drink plenty of water and get enough rest. Exercise, either before or after a treatment, is allowable provided it is not too strenuous or overtaxing.Back to Top What Are The Risks of Acupuncture?When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is very safe. Only sterilized, one-time use needles are used and the body point is prepared with an alcohol swab. Of course, anytime the skin is punctured there is the possibility of infection.Additionally, acupuncture powerfully moves energy in the body, which can result in lightheadedness, fainting, or nausea. After the needle is removed, bleeding may occur and a bruise or hematoma may form. If you are a hemophiliac or are on blood thinners, acupuncture may be inappropriate. Finally, although very rare, it is possible to puncture a lung with acupuncture. Please address any of your concerns to me in person. Back to Top Can I Give Blood If I've Had Acupuncture?In the state of Colorado you may give blood even after receiving acupuncture. Simply notify the person taking your blood of my name and license #949.Back to Top Are Gift Certificates Available?Yes, in fact a gift certificate for one or more acupuncture sessions is a thoughtful gift for any loved one who is dealing with an illness or just wants a general body "tune-up"!Back to Top I Had Acupuncture Years Ago and Didn't Like It. Have Things Changed?Although acupuncture as a medicine has remained unchanged for thousands of years, the tools with which it is performed have improved. In the past, acupuncture needles were thicker, less smooth, and often painful upon insertion. These were stainless steel needles that were sterilized and re-used after each patient. Today, we only use pre-sterilized, single-use needles that are much thinner and smoother than ever before. These needles ensure quick insertion and removal with little to no pain.Additionally, there is very little chance of any kind of infection resulting from these single-use, sterilized needles. Furthermore, in China, acupuncture is performed daily or a few times per day for several days until the patient is cured or considerably improved to be released from care. Chinese patients are used to frequent treatments with thick needles and deep insertion, which tends to be more painful. Americans are not used to such frequent or aggressive needling, so most practitioners here offer thinner needles, more shallow insertion and less painful treatments. These treatments still offer great efficacy at treating disease, however! Personally, I use extremely thin, expensive needles and a light technique, somewhere between the aggressivity of the Chinese technique and the superficial needling technique of the Japanese. I alter the needles used, the technique, the duration of treatment, etc. based upon each unique case and needle sensitivity of the patient. Moreover, many new tools have been developed that offer needle-free acupuncture, such as point stimulation using laser light, light emitting diodes, etc. Electroacupuncture machines (which provide gentle electrical stimulation of the acupoint) have also improved greatly over the last several years, proving more effective and less painful than older machines. Back to Top I'm on prescription medication, can I still take Chinese herbs and nutritional supplements?Yes, most Chinese herbs and herbal formulas are safe to take along with your current prescription medication, with only a few exceptions. Blood moving herbs, for example, may increase bleeding time for a patient already on a prescription blood thinner.As a licensed Chinese Herbalist, I will only prescribe herbs and nutritional supplements that are safe for you to consume. You must, however, keep me informed of the medication you are taking and any changes to your medications, including dosages. Nutritional supplements are generally very safe to take with medications. For more information, see "Chinese Herbology". Back to Top |