Frequently
Asked Questions
If the following list does not provide
you with the answers you seek, please do not hesitate
to call our office at 516.767.1001.
Acupuncture is a method of
encouraging the body to promote natural healing and
to improve functioning. In chinese medicine, it is believed
illness/ disease is caused by energy flow imbalances
in the body. With Acupuncture, very fine needles are
inserted into specific points of the body with the intent
of re-balancing the body’s energy and promoting
health and wellness.
| What
does Acupuncture treat? |
|
Since eastern medicine believes most
illness is caused by an imbalance in the body’s
energy, we believe most conditions can be treated and/
or find significant relief from Acupuncture. Acupuncture,
though well known for treating acute and chronic pain,
can treat many other conditions including, but not at
all limited to: digestive disorders, musculo -skeletal
and neurological disorders, arthritis, depression, insomnia,
fatigue, respiratory illnesses, gynecological disorders
(PMS, painful periods, irregular menses).
In addition, there is much literature on the positive
experiences people have found with acupuncture for infertility,
smoking cessation, weight loss and facial rejuvenation.
Please do not hesitate to call and ask about your specific
health concerns. 516.767.1001
Yes. Licensed acupuncturists are required
to be certified in clean needle techniques and only
use sterilized, individually packaged needles which
are disposed immediately following your treatment.
| What
is the difference between Certified/ Physician Acupuncture
and Licensed Acupuncture? |
|
While medical acupuncturists may be
more likely to be covered by insurance, please be aware
of the differences in training.
• Certified physician, chiropractor or dentist
[medical] acupuncturists (CAc) average 100 – 300
hours of training
They have minimal clinical experience in acupuncture
or no actual patient treatments before certification
And, they are not required to complete the national
certification examination to prove competency in acupuncture
• Licensed acupuncturists (LAc) graduate with
an average of 2,700 hours of master’s-level training.
They have hundreds of hours of clinical experience and
at least 250 actual patient treatments before licensure
They are required to have a Master’s level, on-site
training at a nationally accredited school or college
of acupuncture
And, they are required to pass the national certification
exam in acupuncture in order to become licensed (NCCAOM
board certification)
There is little sensitivity
to the insertion of acupuncture needles. One reason is
that the needles used in our clinic are much finer than
those used for injections and blood tests; they are about
as thin as a strand of hair. Further, the actual insertion
is done very quickly. While some feel nothing at all,
others experience a brief moment of discomfort or a pinch.
The needles are left in place for 20 to 40 minutes. Most
people find the experience relaxing, and some even fall
asleep during sessions.
| How
soon until I start feeling better? |
|
Everyone responds differently
to acupuncture, just like with any medical treatment.
Length, number and frequency of sessions vary. After
an initial consultation, we will provide you with a treatment
plan that will outline the frequency and duration of treatment.
A general rule of thumb is that the longer you have had
your condition, the more sessions you will most likely
need in order to feel a lasting improvement.
| What
should I wear to my treatment? |
|
It is best to wear comfortable
and non-restrictive clothing.
Makeup should be minimized or eliminated. Please also
avoid the use of perfumes, colognes or strongly scented
cosmetics
| Is there
anything else I should know before arriving for
treatment? |
|
Try
to avoid the following:
• Eating a big meal within one hour of your appointment
• Fasting for more than six hours before your
appointment
• Alcohol and/or tobacco, immediately prior
to treatment or just following a treatment
• Vigorous exercise within the hour before treatment
• It also helps to be in a calm state. Try to
arrive 10 or 15 minutes before your appointment to give
yourself a chance to relax.
| Should
I inform my Doctor I am seeing an Acupuncturist? |
|
If you are under the simultaneous
care of different health practitioners, it is important
to keep all of them informed about your treatments to
ensure there are no adverse interactions.
Please always inform your acupuncturist of any treatments
you are receiving, such as medications, as this may
affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.
| Should
I continue taking prescribed medication while receiving
Acupuncture? |
|
Yes. Many people seek
the help of an Acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction
with drug treatment. However, DO NOT
stop taking any medication without professional guidance
from your doctor or the practitioner who originally
prescribed your current medication.
| Does
insurance cover Acupuncture? |
|
Most Health Savings Accounts include
Acupuncture in their coverage and I accept those cards
as payment.
It is advised that you check with
your insurance provider to see if you have Acupuncture
benefits.
I do not directly bill your insurance company; however,
I would provide you with a receipt you may personally
submit for reimbursement.
Some
questions to ask your Health Care Provider:
Does my insurance cover acupuncture treatments.
If yes:
• Do you cover all conditions or are there only
specific ones covered (and what are they)?
• May I see an out of network provider?
• How many sessions do you cover?
• What is the co-pay?
Click
here to contact AcuPort.
|
