FAQs
What is Acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile single use needles into specific spots to stimulate the body to heal itself. Traditional explanations of acupuncture involve its effect on improving the flow of qi (‘vital air/energy’ and referred to as ki by the Japanese) and on balancing Yin and Yang, a paradigm of health and disease that maps very closely to the Western concept of homeostasis. By stimulating specific points on the body with heat, pressure, or very fine needles, acupuncture practitioners are able to restore healthy function, thus resolving symptoms and reversing disease.
Due to its popularity and success in the West, a great deal of attention has been focused on elucidating how acupuncture works in terms of Western physiology. Based on classical descriptions overlain with modern understanding, we now know that qi flow corresponds to nerve transmission, connective tissue planes, metabolic components carried in blood such as oxygen, hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients as well as the functional energy of an organ system, depending on the context in which it is used. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to regulate and improve the function of all of these components, which are so integral to health. In essence, acupuncture seems to “grease the wheels” of the dynamics of body/mind self-regulating functions.
In terms of physiology and biochemistry, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate nerves and connective tissue resulting in profound effects on the nervous system including regulation of key areas of the brain. This improved function results in the body producing its own natural chemicals involved in pain relief and the reduction of inflammation as well as releasing neurotransmitters that create a feeling of relaxation and well-being. Advanced techniques such as fMRI brain imaging and proteomics are continuing to add to a deeper understanding of how acupuncture helps the body to heal itself.
from Acupuncture Now Foundation (https://acupuncturenowfoundation.org/about-acupuncture/, 2014).
What does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture can be used to treat nearly any condition because we focus the treatments on the individual, not just symptoms. Acupuncture works by helping the body regain its balance (homeostasis). When the body is balanced, symptoms and disease processes are alleviated.
The World Health Organization created an extensive LIST of conditions acupuncture has been proven to treat in clinical trials.
Some of the more common conditions acupuncture can treat are:
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile single use needles into specific spots to stimulate the body to heal itself. Traditional explanations of acupuncture involve its effect on improving the flow of qi (‘vital air/energy’ and referred to as ki by the Japanese) and on balancing Yin and Yang, a paradigm of health and disease that maps very closely to the Western concept of homeostasis. By stimulating specific points on the body with heat, pressure, or very fine needles, acupuncture practitioners are able to restore healthy function, thus resolving symptoms and reversing disease.
Due to its popularity and success in the West, a great deal of attention has been focused on elucidating how acupuncture works in terms of Western physiology. Based on classical descriptions overlain with modern understanding, we now know that qi flow corresponds to nerve transmission, connective tissue planes, metabolic components carried in blood such as oxygen, hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients as well as the functional energy of an organ system, depending on the context in which it is used. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to regulate and improve the function of all of these components, which are so integral to health. In essence, acupuncture seems to “grease the wheels” of the dynamics of body/mind self-regulating functions.
In terms of physiology and biochemistry, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate nerves and connective tissue resulting in profound effects on the nervous system including regulation of key areas of the brain. This improved function results in the body producing its own natural chemicals involved in pain relief and the reduction of inflammation as well as releasing neurotransmitters that create a feeling of relaxation and well-being. Advanced techniques such as fMRI brain imaging and proteomics are continuing to add to a deeper understanding of how acupuncture helps the body to heal itself.
from Acupuncture Now Foundation (https://acupuncturenowfoundation.org/about-acupuncture/, 2014).
What does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture can be used to treat nearly any condition because we focus the treatments on the individual, not just symptoms. Acupuncture works by helping the body regain its balance (homeostasis). When the body is balanced, symptoms and disease processes are alleviated.
The World Health Organization created an extensive LIST of conditions acupuncture has been proven to treat in clinical trials.
Some of the more common conditions acupuncture can treat are:
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Musculoskeletal/
Neurological
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Digestion
Emotional/Mental
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Reproductive/
Gynecological
Respiratory/ENT
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Other
Addictions/ Habits
...and many more. Please call if you have questions about a specific condition or concern. |
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Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Naturally, many people do not like needles and associate needle pain to their experience with the thick, hollow needles (hypodermic needles) used for getting shots or giving blood. Nearly 10 acupuncture needles can fit inside the tip of a hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needles are solid, thin, and flexible. Acupuncture feels nothing like receiving a shot!
Most people report feeling a tingling sensation, a dull ache, a pulling sensation, a warmth, or a heaviness at the site of acupuncture needle insertion. Generally, these sensations only last a few seconds, are all normal reactions, and suggest that the treatment is working. Others feel a slight pinch, or nothing at all.
Many people feel extremely relaxed after the needles are inserted and many even fall asleep!
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Each patient is unique, but generally the initial phase of the treatment plan is between 6-8 visits 1-3 times per week. After that time, we will reassess to gauge your progress and begin to space treatment out further apart to every other week, monthly, seasonally, or whenever you feel you need a boost or if something else comes up.
Our goal is to get your body back to a state of balance where it can maintain itself without frequent treatment. However, some patients enjoy weekly or bi-weekly treatment as part of a self-care routine for relaxation and preventative care once they have addressed and balanced their chief concern.
Keep in mind that acute conditions generally respond to treatment faster than more chronic conditions. Also, acupuncture treatment builds upon itself, and is better thought of as a 'dose' or 'course' of treatment. If you are prescribed a course of antibiotics by your doctor, you wouldn't take just one of the pills and expect full recovery. Acupuncture works in a similar manner. While many do see and feel a difference during the first session, it's imperative to stick to your treatment plan to see steady, long lasting results and achieve faster healing. You can't go to the gym one time and expect to be ripped, but just like exercise, some acupuncture is better than none!
What if I feel healthy and have no major health complaints? Can I still benefit from acupuncture?
Absolutely! In the early days of acupuncture, it was said that patients paid their acupuncturists to keep them well and maintain their good health. If a patient got sick, they did not pay their acupuncturist for treatments until they were healthy again. Unfortunately, our modern healthcare system focuses more on 'sick care'. Acupuncture is a wonderful form of preventative care. Acupuncturists can detect imbalances via tongue and pulse diagnosis before physical symptoms manifest, and can re-balance your system before you develop bothersome symptoms.
What Should I Expect During My First Treatment?
Your initial consultation will last around 60-75 minutes. During our first meeting we will talk about your primary concerns, your treatment goals, and your medical history. Your acupuncturist will perform a brief physical exam, feel your pulses, and look at your tongue to formulate a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. Afterwards you will receive your first acupuncture treatment.
It is recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing, to your treatments. If possible, please refrain from wearing heavily scented products and cosmetics on treatment day. Your natural facial complexion can be key in diagnosing and treatment planning.
Follow-up treatments last between 45-60 minutes.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on dogs, cats, horses, and many other types of animals who do not appear to have belief systems and notions of their healing process the way that humans do. However, 'placebo' and 'nocebo' effects are real. If you have an open mind and positive attitude surrounding your treatment, this may amplify the effects you feel. If you are negative about the treatment, this may hamper you noticing the effects. With that said, often healthily skeptical people turn out to be the biggest advocates of the medicine.
Does acupuncture go against my religious or cultural beliefs?
If you are permitted to seek medical care, then acupuncture is ok for you to receive. Acupuncture is a form of medicine with its own unique diagnostic system. While it did stem from ancient China and was practiced by the people who practiced the philosophies and religions of the time, acupuncture is not a religion, nor is it of the occult. It is a logical system of medicine that focuses on getting the body to heal itself naturally. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine come from many religious and cultural backgrounds. Healing with natural methods such as herbs and food are discussed in many great religious texts including the Bible.
What are Your Payment and Office Policies?
Do You Accept Insurance?
As of January 1, 2016, we accept patients with acupuncture coverage through commercial UPMC Health Plans. Only certain conditions are covered under the plan and you must obtain an order/prescription from your physician. For patients that qualify, 12 visits are covered each year. Medicare and Medicaid plans do not cover acupuncture. Click HERE for more details and requirements.
As of October 25, 2024, we accept patients with Aetna commercial health plans. We will verify your coverage and acupuncture benefits before starting treatment as plans vary and some only allow MDs to perform acupuncture for anesthesia. Only certain conditions are covered by Aetna. Click HERE for more details and requirements.
If your (non UPMC/non Aetna, or out of state) health insurance plan covers acupuncture, we will gladly provide you with the necessary paperwork (Superbill) for you to send in for reimbursement. Payment is due in full at time of service.
We also accept Health Savings Account (HSA/FSA) cards for payment which may count toward your deductible. Please check your benefits with your provider.
Automobile accident insurance policies will cover acupuncture services for covered conditions related to an accident. Most policies have a $5-10k limit per claim (which covers all medical expenses related to the claim). Double check your coverage limits and balance with your agent to make sure your acupuncture treatments will be covered.
Which Qualifications Should I Look for in an Acupuncturist?
Acupuncturists in the State of Pennsylvania must be licensed by the State Board of Medicine. To become a licensed Acupuncturist, one must attend an accredited acupuncture school. Most master programs are 3-4 years long and students put in up to 3000 hours of intensive supervised clinical and classroom practice. Students not only focus on Chinese medical theory and diagnosis, but also needling technique and safety.
In our state, Medical Doctors may practice acupuncture with only 200 hours of training. This is not often enough time to master the diagnostic theories and patterns of Chinese Medicine. More importantly, 200 hours is not a lot of practice in needle technique and safety. Some MDs complete an entire acupuncture program while others do not.
Some states allow chiropractors and Physical Therapists to perform acupuncture or dry needling (trigger point acupuncture). Chiropractors are NOT permitted to practice acupuncture in Pennsylvania. It is a grey area at this time regarding PTs doing dry needling (trigger point acupuncture) in PA, but they have only 27-56 hours of needle practice/training compared to 2000-3000 hours of training and needle safety that an acupuncturist receives.
Therefore, it is in your best interest to visit a licensed acupuncturist who has had many hours of practice and training to best address your concerns. Your acupuncturist and your MD, PT, or Chiropractor can work together and do what each does best to provide you with the best well-rounded care possible. Open communication and integrated care among providers often improves results and outcomes.
How does Modern Medicine Explain How Acupuncture Works?
There are several theories that doctors and scientists have to explain how acupuncture works. These theories are supported by clinical studies on the effects of acupuncture.
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Naturally, many people do not like needles and associate needle pain to their experience with the thick, hollow needles (hypodermic needles) used for getting shots or giving blood. Nearly 10 acupuncture needles can fit inside the tip of a hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needles are solid, thin, and flexible. Acupuncture feels nothing like receiving a shot!
Most people report feeling a tingling sensation, a dull ache, a pulling sensation, a warmth, or a heaviness at the site of acupuncture needle insertion. Generally, these sensations only last a few seconds, are all normal reactions, and suggest that the treatment is working. Others feel a slight pinch, or nothing at all.
Many people feel extremely relaxed after the needles are inserted and many even fall asleep!
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Each patient is unique, but generally the initial phase of the treatment plan is between 6-8 visits 1-3 times per week. After that time, we will reassess to gauge your progress and begin to space treatment out further apart to every other week, monthly, seasonally, or whenever you feel you need a boost or if something else comes up.
Our goal is to get your body back to a state of balance where it can maintain itself without frequent treatment. However, some patients enjoy weekly or bi-weekly treatment as part of a self-care routine for relaxation and preventative care once they have addressed and balanced their chief concern.
Keep in mind that acute conditions generally respond to treatment faster than more chronic conditions. Also, acupuncture treatment builds upon itself, and is better thought of as a 'dose' or 'course' of treatment. If you are prescribed a course of antibiotics by your doctor, you wouldn't take just one of the pills and expect full recovery. Acupuncture works in a similar manner. While many do see and feel a difference during the first session, it's imperative to stick to your treatment plan to see steady, long lasting results and achieve faster healing. You can't go to the gym one time and expect to be ripped, but just like exercise, some acupuncture is better than none!
What if I feel healthy and have no major health complaints? Can I still benefit from acupuncture?
Absolutely! In the early days of acupuncture, it was said that patients paid their acupuncturists to keep them well and maintain their good health. If a patient got sick, they did not pay their acupuncturist for treatments until they were healthy again. Unfortunately, our modern healthcare system focuses more on 'sick care'. Acupuncture is a wonderful form of preventative care. Acupuncturists can detect imbalances via tongue and pulse diagnosis before physical symptoms manifest, and can re-balance your system before you develop bothersome symptoms.
What Should I Expect During My First Treatment?
Your initial consultation will last around 60-75 minutes. During our first meeting we will talk about your primary concerns, your treatment goals, and your medical history. Your acupuncturist will perform a brief physical exam, feel your pulses, and look at your tongue to formulate a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. Afterwards you will receive your first acupuncture treatment.
It is recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing, to your treatments. If possible, please refrain from wearing heavily scented products and cosmetics on treatment day. Your natural facial complexion can be key in diagnosing and treatment planning.
Follow-up treatments last between 45-60 minutes.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on dogs, cats, horses, and many other types of animals who do not appear to have belief systems and notions of their healing process the way that humans do. However, 'placebo' and 'nocebo' effects are real. If you have an open mind and positive attitude surrounding your treatment, this may amplify the effects you feel. If you are negative about the treatment, this may hamper you noticing the effects. With that said, often healthily skeptical people turn out to be the biggest advocates of the medicine.
Does acupuncture go against my religious or cultural beliefs?
If you are permitted to seek medical care, then acupuncture is ok for you to receive. Acupuncture is a form of medicine with its own unique diagnostic system. While it did stem from ancient China and was practiced by the people who practiced the philosophies and religions of the time, acupuncture is not a religion, nor is it of the occult. It is a logical system of medicine that focuses on getting the body to heal itself naturally. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine come from many religious and cultural backgrounds. Healing with natural methods such as herbs and food are discussed in many great religious texts including the Bible.
What are Your Payment and Office Policies?
- We accept Cash, Checks, all Major Credit Cards, & debit payments from SquareCash App
- There is a $25 fee for all returned checks.
- Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice result in a cancellation fee of $40.
- No Shows pay full cost of missed appointment.
- Payment due at time of service.
Do You Accept Insurance?
As of January 1, 2016, we accept patients with acupuncture coverage through commercial UPMC Health Plans. Only certain conditions are covered under the plan and you must obtain an order/prescription from your physician. For patients that qualify, 12 visits are covered each year. Medicare and Medicaid plans do not cover acupuncture. Click HERE for more details and requirements.
As of October 25, 2024, we accept patients with Aetna commercial health plans. We will verify your coverage and acupuncture benefits before starting treatment as plans vary and some only allow MDs to perform acupuncture for anesthesia. Only certain conditions are covered by Aetna. Click HERE for more details and requirements.
If your (non UPMC/non Aetna, or out of state) health insurance plan covers acupuncture, we will gladly provide you with the necessary paperwork (Superbill) for you to send in for reimbursement. Payment is due in full at time of service.
We also accept Health Savings Account (HSA/FSA) cards for payment which may count toward your deductible. Please check your benefits with your provider.
Automobile accident insurance policies will cover acupuncture services for covered conditions related to an accident. Most policies have a $5-10k limit per claim (which covers all medical expenses related to the claim). Double check your coverage limits and balance with your agent to make sure your acupuncture treatments will be covered.
Which Qualifications Should I Look for in an Acupuncturist?
Acupuncturists in the State of Pennsylvania must be licensed by the State Board of Medicine. To become a licensed Acupuncturist, one must attend an accredited acupuncture school. Most master programs are 3-4 years long and students put in up to 3000 hours of intensive supervised clinical and classroom practice. Students not only focus on Chinese medical theory and diagnosis, but also needling technique and safety.
In our state, Medical Doctors may practice acupuncture with only 200 hours of training. This is not often enough time to master the diagnostic theories and patterns of Chinese Medicine. More importantly, 200 hours is not a lot of practice in needle technique and safety. Some MDs complete an entire acupuncture program while others do not.
Some states allow chiropractors and Physical Therapists to perform acupuncture or dry needling (trigger point acupuncture). Chiropractors are NOT permitted to practice acupuncture in Pennsylvania. It is a grey area at this time regarding PTs doing dry needling (trigger point acupuncture) in PA, but they have only 27-56 hours of needle practice/training compared to 2000-3000 hours of training and needle safety that an acupuncturist receives.
Therefore, it is in your best interest to visit a licensed acupuncturist who has had many hours of practice and training to best address your concerns. Your acupuncturist and your MD, PT, or Chiropractor can work together and do what each does best to provide you with the best well-rounded care possible. Open communication and integrated care among providers often improves results and outcomes.
How does Modern Medicine Explain How Acupuncture Works?
There are several theories that doctors and scientists have to explain how acupuncture works. These theories are supported by clinical studies on the effects of acupuncture.
- Neurotransmitter Theory- Acupuncture stimulates the release of neurotransmitters that affect immune system function.
- Autonomic Nervous System Theory- Acupuncture stimulates the release of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and other types of chemicals in the body that calm the nervous system and relieve pain.
- Gate Control Theory- Acupuncture activates certain receptors that inhibit the transmission of painful stimuli in the body.
- Vascular-Interstitial Theory- Acupuncture affects the electrical system of the body and speeds up healing by allowing transfer of blood and other healthy substances from healthy tissue to injured tissue.
- Blood Chemistry Theory- Acupuncture can both raise and diminish peripheral blood components, thereby regulating the body toward balance (homeostasis).
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