How does Acupuncture work?

.

Acupuncture works through many different pathways, which helps explain why it can be so helpful for such varied and different conditions.  Acupuncture relieves pain by stimulating the release of endogenous endorphins (your body's own natural pain killers which have pain relieving properties similar to opiates).  Acupuncture also improves blood circulation, diminishes inflammation, relaxes muscles and tendons, reduces muscle spasms, helps break up scar tissue, and stimulates the immune system.

Stimulation of Acupuncture points affects both central and peripheral nervous systems. More recent research suggests that it may also trigger the release of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which could help explain why Acupuncture has positive effects on mood balance.

Acupuncture has been practiced for over 5,000 years, and research in the last decade has finally revealed the physiologic mechanisms for some of its effects.  Functional MRI's have been able to map the brain's response to Acupuncture treatment, while thermographic imaging has demonstrated the reduction of inflammation during and after Acupuncture treatment.  Countless research studies have documented Acupuncture's effectiveness for pain relief.


What can Acupuncture help with?

.

Acupuncture is most commonly known for all types of pain relief, from back pain to headaches. The truth is that Acupuncture is very effective at treating a wide variety of conditions, including:

​Low back pain, Neck pain, Headaches, Sciatica, Tennis elbow, Knee pain, Sprains, TMJ, Dental pain, Arthritis, Nausea, Muscle/Joint Pain, , Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Digestive Problems, Insomnia, Menstrual & Female Disorders, Morning Sickness, Stroke, Sinusitis, Depression, Skin Disorders, Urinary Problems, Ear Problems, Infections, Cold, Flu, and more. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have declared Acupuncture an effective treatment for the above conditions.

Additionally, many types of sports injuries respond well to Acupuncture, as we have seen first hand in our patients. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and swelling, alleviate your pain and muscle spasms, improve circulation to get oxygen and nutrients to your cells so the damaged tissues can heal faster, and speed up your recovery. Athletes who get regular Acupuncture treatment help re-establish strength and stability in tendons and joints, keeping their bodies healthy and balanced and less prone to re-injury.

For more information on the benefits of Acupuncture, please visit our Acupuncture page.


Does Acupuncture hurt?

.

During an acupuncture treatment, very thin, sterilized, disposable needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points selected for your treatment plan.  These needles are about as thin as a hair, and they slide easily though the skin.  Most people report little to no discomfort, and most people feel a sense of calm and relaxation as the treatment relaxes their nervous system. Common sensations are heaviness, aching, or warmth at the needle insertion sites, which is a therapeutic response.  When the needle is inserted you may feel a small poke, but this sensation passes quickly, and within 30 seconds most people feel very comfortable and relaxed.​


Do you take insurance?

.

We are not in network with any insurance companies. If you have out of network Acupuncture benefits, we are happy to provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. You will be responsible for payment at time of service, and then the detailed receipt you receive will contain all the CPT codes and diagnosis codes that your insurance company will need which makes it very simple to submit for reimbursement.

If you have been in an auto accident and have a PIP (“personal injury protection”) claim covered by your auto insurance, we can bill them directly for you. PIP helps cover the cost of treatments for injuries sustained in an auto accident.  Acupuncture can help relax stiff muscles, relieve pain, reduce headaches, and speed up your recovery.  We do not accept 3rd party auto insurance claims (cases where the coverage is from a policy other than your own). If you are waiting to receive a settlement for your auto accident from a 3rd party claim, and want to receive treatment now before your settlement arrives, you are welcome to do so. You will be responsible for payment at time of service, and we will provide you with detailed receipts of your payments so that your attorney can take the costs of your injury treatments into consideration when negotiating your settlement.


What is Cupping?

.

For a thorough explanation please visit our page on Cupping.


What is NAET?

.

For a thorough explanation please visit our page on NAET.


Is it safe to receive Acupuncture while pregnant?

.

Yes.  There are specific Acupuncture point locations that are avoided during pregnancy, but there are hundreds of other Acupuncture points to choose from when creating your treatment plan.  Many pregnant women use Acupuncture for relief of morning sickness, lower back pain, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, and migraines.  Acupuncture is an excellent option for pregnant women who are trying to avoid medications they might typically rely on for relief of pain or headaches.


Still have some lingering questions?

.

We'll do our best to answer them!  Just visit our Contact page to send us a message.