Do insurances cover acupuncture?
Yes. Many insurances cover acupuncture. We will help you to verify your coverage.
If it is not covered, almost all insurances companies contract with us to provide you with a 30% discount.
Some insurances we work with are listed below:
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Harvard Pilgrim
Aetna
Tufts
United Health Care
Cigna
Unicare
Guardian
Motor Vehicle Accident/Personal Injury
Worker's Comp
What are your hours?
We are available 6 days/week, Sunday - Friday.
Sunday: 7:30am — 10am
Monday: 7am — 6:30pm
Tuesday: 7am — 6:30mp
Wednesday: 7am — 6:30pm
Thursday: 7am — 6:30pm
Friday: 7am — 1pm
Where did acupuncture originate?
Acupuncture developed in China approximately 3000 years ago. The theory was based on their understanding of the world at that time. It is a complete medical system with diagnosis, prognosis and treatment — all internally connected. It is, however, quite different than Western medicine. Without technologic information, they were still able to develop a remarkably sophisticated and effective system for helping the body resolve problems.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture has a very scientific basis. There are no drugs or chemicals on the needles and yet most people experience remarkable improvement for a wide range of symptoms and illnesses. The world Health Organization lists dozens of symptoms and illnesses that are effectively treated with acupuncture. How is this possible?
There is a special property in the collagen fibers in the skin, muscle, bone and cartilage (the connective tissue). It turns out that the collagen fibers produce electric currents when they are compressed (piezoelectricity), and these currents travel to a different part of the body to help it function at a higher level. Every acupuncture point helps the body in a slightly different way. These biofeedback signals are generated during acupuncture.
Oriental medical theory is the science of how to determine which combination or array of these signals will most effectively help your body do a better job at resolving your health problems.
How do you diagnose patients?
Acupuncture uses a diagnostic system far different from that of traditional western medicine. The primary diagnostic indicator is the pulse. In Chinese medical practice, we assess the pulse at the wrist with 3 fingers and feel for not just the rate and strength, but actually combinations of 28 different qualities that are indicative of internal function. From this information, we then choose 8 to 10 acupuncture points that will address the symptoms and the underlying reason for the symptoms.
We will also look at your tongue for color, coating, markings, movement and other characteristics that may enhance our treatment choices.
Sometimes we will also gently press on your abdomen to determine if there are any outstanding areas of sensitivity that would be useful to include on our treatment choice.
Where are the needles placed?
There are dozens of systems of acupuncture, each leading to a different selection of points. Many times the needles are not place in the area of the problem. The reason is that the resolution to the problem is not at the site of the problem.
For example, someone has shoulder pain goes to an orthopedist who determines they have a tendonitis. That is the cause of the problem in Western medicine. However, people can strain their tendons when they make sharp, strained movements. The body immediately begins to heal it. It only becomes a "tendonitis" when the body fails to resolve it.
The tendon, however, does not directly control the physiologic processes required for healing such as blood flow, oxygenation, and the increased production of the body's natural anti-inflammatory and pain reducers. The tendon sends out distress signals to other parts of the body requesting assistance. In Western medicine the tendonitis is the CAUSE of the problem. In Oriental medicine it is the result of a problem. It is the result of the body's failure to resolve. Acupuncture dramatically expands the body's capacity to respond to many areas of problem simultaneously.
Who should have acupuncture?
Acupuncture is appropriate for most medical conditions as it was created as a complete medical system. Acupuncture helps the body to resolve health problems more effectively and the body has the ability to positively affect, to varying degrees, the vast majority of medical issues. Therefore, has the potential to assist any who utilizes it.
Can I have acupuncture if I am taking any medications?
Yes. Acupuncture does not interfere with medications as it only enhances the body's ability to better accept the effectiveness of medications.
How long is an acupuncture treatment?
Treatments last about 40-50 minutes in general. This varies according to the individual and the system of acupuncture being used. For example, children sometimes require less time.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that can easily be moved above just above the elbow and the knee.
Are there any contraindications?
There are no contraindications for acupuncture (including needle and needless approaches).
How many treatments will I need?
This varies greatly according to the severity of the symptom, the length of time someone has had the symptom and the degree to which the symptom interferes with the person's ability to function. We will determine a reasonable trial period at the first session.
How do we measure progress?
Your subjective experience is important; however we also look at the degree to which the problem interferes with your function. There are many times when people have been making substantial progress and feel some increase again in symptom. This is often because the person is participating in more activities or exercise. With further treatment the patient increases tolerance for difficult tasks until the symptom no longer interferes.
Is acupuncture widely accepted?
Yes. More than half the world's population uses some form of acupuncture including China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, Canada, Australia, South America, Africa and the U.S.
Will acupuncture help me?
The only way to know is to try it. And remember, it is a wonderfully relaxing experience as well. So, give us a call at (978) 443-6789 or book an appointment with us to give it a try. We look forward to seeing you!