Acupuncture FAQ

Most simply stated, Acupuncture is the application of needles into particular points in the body to relieve pain or disease. The medical tradition from which Acupuncture is drawn is thousands of years old. It treats illness by dissolving blockages that arise along meridians, or pathways, in our body. Acupuncture views pain and disease as roadblocks along a meridian, and addresses those symptoms through treatments at appropriate points along the meridians.

I treat each patient as an integrated whole in body, mind and spirit, and seek to remedy the root causes of pain, illness or disease as well as the address the symptoms that present. Acupuncture is a process, so although we may see some amazing improvements after one session, you most likely will require a course of several treatments.

While this question could potentially have hundreds of answers, some of the areas in which I specialize include:

•  Chronic and acute pain (such as back, neck and shoulder pain)
• Stress reduction
• High blood pressure reduction
• Infertility issues
• Digestive issues, such as IBS

Some form of sensation is usually experienced during an acupuncture treatment. When the needles are first inserted, you may feel a pricking against your skin. You may also feel a tingling sensation, or a feeling of heaviness, distention or warmth. Treatment sessions are often described as very relaxing and even anxious patients commonly fall asleep during their treatments. After a treatment, many report feeling energized.

Results vary from person to person. A general rule of thumb is that acute/short-term conditions require fewer treatments than chronic/long-term conditions. You should expect to see improvement of symptoms within 6-8 treatments.

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and smooth, and in fact, 100 acupuncture needles fit into the space of a single hypodermic needle. They are pre-packaged, sterile, single-use, and disposable. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to hypodermic needles. They are much finer than hypodermic needles, which are hollow, designed as an effective delivery system. I use thin, sterile needles inserted superficially into specific areas of the body in order to initiate healing and promote health.

Yes. Risks associated with acupuncture are rare. Acupuncture is highly regulated in this country. Clean Needle Technique is a mandatory preliminary requirement for licensure. What does this mean? I only use pre-sterilized, single-use needles.

When performed by a qualified, licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is proven to be a safe and effective form of treatment. Side effects, if any, are usually mild in nature and disappear shortly after treatment.. We can discuss any side effects prior to your treatment.

If you are receiving treatment from your doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have acupuncture. Acupuncture will not interfere with medicines or treatments prescribed by your regular doctor. It may, however, enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication. As your symptoms improve, you should consult your regular doctor prior to decreasing or discontinuing medications. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

My goal, as I am sure is the case with all of your health care practitioners, is to help you resolve your illness, and help bring you back to a state of health. From my point of view, one style of treatment does not negate the benefits you may obtain from your other health-care providers. The important point is to make sure we all have the information we need to help you get better.

If you can’t make it to your scheduled appointment please call me at least 24 hours prior beforehand to cancel or reschedule. Failure to notify me may result in a missed appointment charge.

The first session will take 90 minutes. This incorporates a full health assessment, and is followed by a treatment. Subsequent follow-up treatments are 45 – 60 minutes in duration.

You can use your HSA + FSA to pay for Acupuncture!

We process your out-of-network insurance claim, provided acupuncture is covered by your particular plan.

Our billing expert will verify your insurance coverage for you.

To check whether you are covered, click the link below, fill in the brief form below and send it to us at relax@fabriqspa.com

Patient Insurance Verification Form

Moxa

Moxa or moxabustion is a term derived from the Japanese word mogusa or mo kusa, meaning, “burning herb.” It can be found in many forms, from moxa “wool” to moxa pressed into a charcoal stick. It is harvested from the mugwort plant (Artemisia vulgaris or Artemisia argyii), which is ground then cured for 3-5 years.

Moxa is an herb used to warm Acupuncture points or areas of the body to stimulate circulation and induce a smoother flow of blood and energy along the meridian pathways.Moxa is used to strengthen the immune system, to warm the body and to bring more qi and blood flow to an area. Moxa is especially useful for the treatment of pain. Moxa is often cited for its effectiveness in turning breach babies. Learn more

Cupping

Cupping is a therapy in which heated glass cups are applied to the skin along the meridians of the body, creating suction as a way of stimulating the flow of energy. It improves circulation by bringing blood to the surface. Cupping benefits the lungs, treating coughs and asthma, and combats pain in multiple areas of the body.

Expect some painless discoloration on the skin after a cupping therapy treatment.

Guasha

Gua-sha is a therapeutic technique in which short repeated pressured strokes are applied along meridians over lubricated skin with a smooth edged tool. This increases blood circulation and clears metabolic wastes congesting the surface tissues and muscle fibers.

Gua-sha Therapy feels a bit like deep massage, and effectively releases muscle tension, tightness and constriction while relieving pain and increasing mobility. It is most often applied to the back and neck, and is commonly used in the treatment of back pain and upper respiratory problems such as the common cold.

As it works to clear up the congested blood at the surface of the body, patches of red skin appear which usually fade within 48 hours.