Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture
If you have never received acupuncture treatment, you may have a number of questions about what it involves. The information below may help answer many of your questions. If you find that you have any unanswered questions after you look over this information, give me a call at 828-215-0149 and I will be happy to answer them for you.
Acupuncture is a well-researched health care system that is different from medical practice that relies on pharmaceutical drugs and/or surgery. The basic approached for acupuncture is to insert needles into points in the body that “jump start” the body’s natural healing process. Licensed acupuncturists have been trained to identify the points in the body where needles will promote healing for different health problems. For example, a person with back pain and a person with digestive problems would likely receive needles in different places. It is worth saying that acupuncture is the most powerful treatment offered at Traditional Healing. However, there are some closely related treatments such as acupressure, tui na, moxibustion, and cupping that are also effective in combination with acupuncture or as alternatives to acupuncture. More information about acupuncture is available on the websites listed in the Other Helpful Links section. Back to Top
The only really good way to know if acupuncture is right for you is to get an evaluation from a licensed acupuncturist. That is the main reason why your first visit to Traditional Healing Acupuncture Center is free of charge. I will conduct an evaluation, and then you and I will arrive at an answer to the question of whether acupuncture would benefit you. If not, I might recommend one of the other treatment types offered at Traditional Healing such as acupressure, and tui na body work. Or I might refer you to another type of health care professional. Back to Top
We will begin the first visit by your telling me about your health issues. Next, I will ask questions to be sure I understand your situation. Then I will conduct a physical examination to assess your overall health as well as the health problem(s) that you wish to address. Some aspects of the exam may be familiar to you such as taking your pulse. Other aspects could seem unfamiliar or unexpected, but nothing should be distressing. For example, I might have someone with difficult headaches lie face down on the treatment table to probe for muscle problems in his or her back. Before we end the first visit, I will give you my assessment of your health and whether or not any of the treatments offered at Traditional Healing seem appropriate for you. If I think treatment at the clinic would be appropriate, I would explain which ones, for how long, and so forth. I would want you to ask as many questions as you have. You might ask about costs, the likely length of treatment, or anything that is important to you. I do not ask you to make a decision about beginning treatment during the first visit. You can make another appointment or choose to call back later if you decide you want to begin treatment. Whatever you decide, the first visit is free of charge. Back to Top
Usually patients receive between 12 to 20 needles during a session. There is a slight sting when the needle is initially inserted, but most people report that the needles actually relax them. Back to Top
Treatments usually last a little over an hour. I try to pay close attention to your needs during the treatments and to be respectful of your time. I am able to stay on schedule so most patients never have to wait to be seen and with parking right in back of the clinic, you can receive your treatment without unduly interrupting your day. Back to Top
Acupuncture is a very low-risk care procedure. Like all licensed acupuncturist, I only insert sterile needles in points that are known to be safe based on the theory and practice of acupuncture. Back to Top
Like all licensed acupuncturists, I have been trained and passed an examination on needle safety. I use each needle only once and then discard it so you are guaranteed that I will use only clean and safe needles. Back to Top
Your course of treatment depends upon your individual health needs. I will be able to make an estimate of how long your course of treatment might take after your initial visit. Back to Top
It is a good idea to wear casual, loose-fitting clothes for all visits to Traditional Healing. Loose clothing makes it easy to get on and off the treatment table. In addition, patients often need to remove some of their clothing either for evaluations or for treatment. For example, someone with back pain might need to roll up a shirt. At those times, I take every step to respect your privacy. As always, I invite you to have a trusted friend or family member stay with you in the treatment room. Back to Top
To become licensed by the state of North Carolina an applicant must:
To maintain a license in North Carolina, each year an acupuncturist must complete 40 hours of Continuing Professional Education that is approved by the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board. Additional information is available on the website for the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board. Back to Top
The initial consultation is free so that you are able to meet me, look at the clinic, receive an evaluation, and consider the treatment plan that I recommend for you without any cost to you. The fee for each treatment is $60. I ask that you pay for each treatment on the day I provide it. You never have to pay ahead or pay for more treatments than you think are helpful to you. Back to Top
I do not accept insurance, because it helps me keep the costs of providing your treatments lower. This way, I do not have to hire staff members to carry out the filing, collecting, and record keeping that accepting insurance involves. Back to Top