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How much does acupuncture cost?
Does acupuncture hurt?
Does insurance cover treatments?
How often must I receive treatments?
What is Classical Chinese medicine?
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
Is acupuncture safe?
Can I have acupuncture if I am pregnant?
How does acupuncture work?
What conditions can be treated with Classical Chinese medicine?
What can I expect for my first visit?
How much does acupuncture cost?
Acupuncture
treatments may vary in price - anywhere from $50.00 to $150.00 per
visit. Typically your first visit will be more expensive, because the
practitioner will spend more time with you reviewing your history and
assessing your current symptoms along with your treatment.
Here, at Essential Energy, we charge $90.00 for
the initial exam and treatment. Follow up treatments are $65.00 each.
There is no extra charge for moxibustion, cupping, cold laser therapy or other modalities
received in the office.
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Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are made from
extremely fine surgical steel wire. As many as 5 acupuncture needles
can fit inside the hole of a hypodermic needle. Most commonly they are
inserted with little or no discomfort. When needles contact qi
(energy) - particularly when it has been blocked or stagnant - there
may be a temporary sensation of heaviness, achiness or tingling. The
sensation does not last and is a signal that the acupuncture point has
been activated.
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Does insurance cover treatments?
Acupuncture treatments are allowed as a medical deduction
on Medical Flex Plans (Flexible Savings Accounts). Some insurance
companies do reimburse
for acupuncture. You will have to contact your insurance provider and
discuss this with them directly. If they do, some questions you might
ask would be: Is coverage limited to particular conditions? Does
it matter from whom (Licensed Acupuncturist or Board Certified) you get
treatment? Is there a limit on the number of visits covered and at what
percentage? If your MD or DO is willing to write a referral with a
diagnosis code for acupuncture treatments, this may improve the
likelihood of reimbursement from your insurer.
We do not typically bill insurances directly;
we will gladly provide you with a bill to submit for reimbursement.
Please talk with the office if your insurance offers coverage or
has contracted discounts for acupuncture treatments.
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How often must I receive treatments?
This
varies with the condition and the individual. Symptoms and conditions
that are chronic will probably take longer to resolve than acute ones.
Also, the age and general health of an individual will affect the
body's healing process. Typically, 6 to 10 visits, once or twice a
week, occur before re-assessing the treatment plan.
The goal is to resolve symptoms and restore health;
thereby decreasing the number of visits and increasing the length
between them. Ideally, Chinese medicine is used for the prevention of
illness, and treatments are sought with the change of seasons or during
times of stress.
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What is Classical Chinese medicine?
Classical Chinese medicine is a complete health system, based upon ancient medical texts from China, primarily the Ling Shu, Su Wen, and Nan Jing. This medicine emphasizes attention to any imbalance in the vital life force (qi)
which is the origin of illness or disease. These imbalances manifest as
symptoms expressed by the body, mind and spirit in the individual.
Diagnostics include observation of the pulses,
tongue, tone and appearance of a person. Each treatment is unique
to the individual at that point in time. Health is facilitated by
balancing the individual's qi and allowing the body's innate intelligence to restore health. Acupuncture, moxibustion, cold laser therapy and tuina (Asian bodywork therapy) are the prime modalities used.
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Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. While it has been shown that belief in
the efficacy of a treatment can enhance the results, it is not a
requirement. We have been happy to see positive results in clients
who were skeptical of this medicine. Acupuncture is also beneficial
to animals, who do not understand or believe in it's theories.
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Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, when performed by a skilled,
licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is very safe. Only single use,
sterile needles are used here, in a clean and relaxing environment.
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Can I have acupuncture if I am pregnant?
Yes. Acupuncture can be helpful
for a variety of symptoms or complications associated with pregnancy.
For example, acupuncture can relieve morning sickness, low back pain
and correct breech positioning.
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How does acupuncture work?
Studies have shown that
acupuncture needles stimulate endorphines and the response of the
immune system in individuals. Acupuncture is not
just a placebo effect. In Eastern philosophy, acupuncture facilitates
health by tonifying, stimulating, and/or sedating the flow of qi. Western science is not yet able to measure qi; it has been understood through empirical observations over the centuries.
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What conditions can be treated with Classical Chinese medicine?
This is an extensive healing system which has
been practiced for over 3000 years. The World Health Organization lists
over 43 conditions for which acupuncture can be effective. Please refer
to our "What We Treat" page for a detailed list.
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What can I expect for my first visit?
The first visit lasts about an hour and a half
and involves a conference with Joseph about your health
history and current symptoms. You will receive a treatment as well. You
should wear comfortable clothing, not be hungry, and try not to engage
in any heavy physical activity for at least 12 hours afterwards.
Each person's response is unique and
treatments have a cumulative effect. However, people often feel relaxed
and
calm after a treatment. Some notice immediate improvements. The effect
of the treatment will carry for the next several days and symptoms may
improve within that time. Acupuncture is facilitating health and
a series of treatments will build upon one another to provide more
permanent relief.
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