| Does acupuncture hurt? The sensations that patients experience during acupuncture range from nothing at all to a brief localized ache or heaviness. Some points are more sensitive than others. By and large patients describe the initial sensations as fleeting and the long term sensations as deeply relaxing. After the needles are inserted, most patients fall asleep during the session and report a sense of renewal and ease at the conclusion of a treatment. Why would I see an acupuncturist? Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, including: • muscle & joint pain (including back neck & shoulders) • lack of energy and fatigue, • chronic headaches, • stress and emotional upsets, • allergies, • digestion and elimination issues, • sleep disorders, • infertility, • menstrual and menopausal disorders, • eating disorders, • help to quit smoking and cease other addictions, • and support during serious illnesses, including amelioration of the side effects of medications, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. (For a list of conditions and an endorsement of acupuncture by the World Health Organization, please refer to this website under the pull down menu “Conditions Treated by Acupuncture”). Because acupuncture treatments re-awaken the healing energies that are inherent in each of us, what often begins as a concern over a specific symptom or symptoms can transform into a deeper healing of the body, mind, and spirit. How does acupuncture work? This highly effective system of medical care is based on natural laws which govern the movement of vital life giving energy, both in nature and in the human body. In a fashion similar to the movement of blood in blood vessels, this energy, called chi, (pronounced chee and also spelt “qi”), moves through the body in precise channels, called meridians, and supports the many functions of the body, mind and spirit. Acupuncture is based on thousands of years of the study and observation of the movements of chi in the human body. When the chi is moving disharmoniously -- stuck, deficient, or in excess -- imbalances begin to surface in the form of specific signs and symptoms. Imagine a stream with too little or perhaps too much water flowing. We know that a flood has different manifestations and causes than a drought. In a similar vein, to address the underlying causes of an imbalanced condition in a person, specific signs and symptoms are viewed by a trained acupuncturist in relationship to the totality of the person. One of the greatest strengths of acupuncture is that treatments are tailored for the individual. This is not a “one size” or “one pill fits all” approach. By the gentle insertion of hair-thin needles at specific points along the meridian channels, the acupuncturist will help to resolve the disharmonies and restore regularity, function, and balance to the flow of your chi. Is acupuncture covered by health insurance or flexible spending plans? It is our office policy that all patients file directly with their flexible spending plan or insurance carrier for reimbursement. Full payment is required at the time of each treatment. You will be provided with a coded receipt to submit to your health insurance provider or flexible spending plan. Insurance reimbursement is an ever-changing world. Please consult your provider for the exact terms of coverage on your policy. Flexible spending and health insurance coverage for your treatments are dependent upon both the type of care you receive and the terms and conditions of your policy. You may want to make note of the following: (1) Patients, including but not limited to federal government employees, who have health insurance providers that are affiliated with American Whole Health, Inc., may be eligible for a discounted rate. For more information, please contact Ms. Miller. (2) Federal government employees: Beginning in January, 2007 the Standard Option for the 2007 Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield program has been modified to include reimbursement for up to 24 acupuncture treatments per calendar year. (3) The majority of flexible spending plans, also known as cafeteria benefit plans, will reimburse for acupuncture treatments and a growing number of insurance companies will reimburse as well. Please check with your provider. Are the needles safe? Yes. Sterile disposable needles are used. They are used once and then disposed of immediately and properly. As part of licensing requirements mandated by the Virginia Board of Medicine, Ms. Miller is certified in Clean Needle Technique. Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture? Absolutely not. Acupuncture is also a powerful preventive measure to keep patients healthy throughout the year. Just as you would have your car tuned up before problems occur, you can benefit from periodic acupuncture treatments. How do I get the most out of each treatment? Please make sure you have eaten something nourishing about one hour before the visit and please refrain from having any coffee or other caffeinated drinks for at least one hour before your visit. It is best to refrain from intense physical activity before or immediately after your scheduled treatment. Before you begin treatment, you may want to note when your symptoms are better and when they are worse and report your observations during your intake interview. For example, if you are coming because you have pain in a specific area, it is helpful to note if your pain is better or worse after exercise or application of heat or cold. Once treatments begin, any observations you may have about changes you have noticed since your last treatment are very important and will be discussed. How frequently do I need to come to benefit from treatment? Of course, the actual recommended frequency of treatments varies with each individual and condition. Typically, following the initial consultation, you will be seen in weekly one-hour sessions for 6-8 visits. During this time, significant signs of progress will likely appear. In addition, acupuncture treatments will help you to recognize and maintain constructive life style choices that will support your healing and vitality. Working together, the benefits of your treatments can continue for longer intervals. As patients experience improvement in their condition and enjoy a greater sense of ease in life, treatments may be extended to every other week, every three weeks, monthly and eventually seasonally. I want to come for treatment, what do I do next? Contact me at the telephone number above to share your concerns and to discuss what you would like to receive from treatment. We can schedule an initial appointment and explore a treatment schedule that will best meet your needs. 
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