FAQ

What Happens During an Acupuncture Treatment?

Your first visit combines an in-depth evaluation with a brief, non-invasive physical examination.  Our practitioner will ask you about your present health concerns as well as your medical history, lifestyle, and the functioning of various body systems (e.g., sleep, appetite, sight, hearing, etc.)

Following the initial examination – or a re-evaluation if this is a subsequent visit or follow-up – our practitioner will insert hair-thin needles at prescribed acupuncture points depending on the diagnosis and condition being treated.  The needles will be left in place for approximately 15-30 minutes; during that time you do not need to do anything more than lay back and relax.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture needles used in our office are the finest stainless steel, pre-sterilized, individually packaged disposable needles.  All needles are promptly discharged after use in proper biohazard containers.  Acupuncture needles are usually not much thicker than a strand of hair and their insertion is particularly painless.  Typically, only a slight prick is felt at first, and then there is another sensation, usually described as a dull ache, when the needle reaches the acupuncture point.  This sensation usually lasts for 1 to 2 seconds.  Some people are energized by the treatment, while others feel relaxed.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

This depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint.  For acute conditions, fewer treatments are necessary, while chronic conditions generally require more time.  I recommend 5-10 consecutive treatments for most patients, at which time we re-evaluate and set up a follow-up schedule that suits the needs of the patient.

What is Chinese Medicine Good For?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Acupuncture as an effective treatment modality for many conditions, including:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, arthritis.
• Smoking Cessation and other addiction treatment.
• Weight Reduction.
• Facial Rejuvenation.
• Emotional and Neurological Disorders: depression, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, high blood pressure.
• Gynecological Disorders: menstrual, infertility.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: indigestion, nausea, constipation, diarrhea and ulcers, IBS, among others.
• Respiratory Disorders: cold & flu, bronchitis, asthma.

Do You Take Insurance?

Presently our office is listed as a provider with a number of major medical insurance carriers.  Please call us to check if we accept your particular insurance.

Do You Treat Workers’ Compensation / No-Fault Injuries?

Acupuncture is fully covered by New York No-fault automobile insurance.  We welcome all attorney referrals and walk-in patients suffering from compensable No-Fault injuries.

A physician’s referral and pre-approval by your employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance carrier or the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board is generally required for many alternative treatments of workers’ compensation injuries, including Acupuncture.  In certain cases, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance carrier will reimburse us for your treatment without pre-approval.  If you have a Workers’ Compensation attorney, please check with him or her regarding obtaining retroactive approval from the Workers’ Compensation Board.  However, we try to keep our rates affordable so that individuals who have suffered on-the-job injuries can still obtain the benefits of treatment even without reimbursement by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance.