FAQs

Acupuncture is most widely-known as a treatment for pain management and it is highly effective in treating pain syndromes. Pain can result from a number of factors including injury and trauma, spinal changes, such as nerve compression or disk degeneration, degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis, and chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Acupuncture treatment relaxes muscles, increases circulation of blood and tissue fluids, reduces inflammation, and increases endorphin production that is produced in the brain and which is the body’s “natural opiate”, or pain reliever. Acupuncture can be utilized before other interventions are indicated so as to potentially avoid invasive procedures, as well as after interventions are performed to support the process of healing and recovery.

Acupuncture is not limited to the treatment of illness or disease. Acupuncture also works to maintain health by supporting a strong metabolism, building energy, reducing the effects of stress, improving sleep and regulating your hormonal system. Many clients come for treatment on a regular basis throughout the year. Some come at times of increased stress or at the first onset of symptoms.

Acupuncture works by utilizing a system of channels that carry energy throughout the whole body so whenever there is an imbalance, or dysfunction, causing symptoms an acupuncture treatment can restore the normal flow of energy. This permits better metabolism which is the key to healthy function.

Yes, acupuncture is a safe treatment when performed by a licensed acupuncturist who has graduated from an accredited acupuncture college and is licensed by the state Board of Registration in Medicine.

Acupuncturists use pre-sterilized, disposable needles that are used one time only and are then safely discarded in a bio-hazard container for proper disposal.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and delicate. Unlike injection needles, acupuncture needles are not sharp but have a rounded tip for comfort. When the needles are placed, it may feel like a tiny pinch or, most likely, like nothing at all. Most people do not notice any discomfort.

The initial visit is 1.5 hours in length. This visit includes a complete review of your medical history, a discussion of your health concerns and our recommendations for treatment, and the first acupuncture treatment.

Follow-up visits are one hour. There is ample time to discuss your progress, treatment plan and to address any questions you may have.

We accept personal checks and cash. We do not accept credit card payments at this time.

All treatments must be paid for in full at the time of visit.

Acupuncture Arts East does not accept insurance. We will give you a statement including the date of acupuncture services rendered and payment made for services. You can submit this with a transmittal form to your insurance company if you have coverage but this is not a guarantee of reimbursement of payment by the insurance company.

Most people feel a deep sense of relaxation after each treatment that is similar to how you feel after a yoga class, meditation, or a short nap. This can last for several days. Many people have a feeling of increased energy, mental clarity, and a reduced feeling of stress. You may notice that your symptoms are decreased over the following few days. Repeating the treatment gives you the best results because each treatment builds on the ones before it.

Acupuncture works through balancing and regulating metabolic function so it is effective for the young and old alike. Children may be wary at first but when they see how comfortable it is and how much better they feel they will enjoy their appointments. In an older adult population, the treatment of arthritis, pain syndromes, digestion and sleep are commonly treated complaints that respond well to acupuncture.

At your first visit we will discuss our recommendations for your care based on your presenting issues and your medical history. Chronic and degenerative disorders take longer to address than acute problems. A typical course of treatment is an initial plan of weekly treatments for 3-4 weeks with an evaluation to follow. Sometimes one or two treatments is all that is needed but that is more the exception than the rule.