FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Although it sounds unsettling to lie down and have needles placed in your body, getting acupuncture is very relaxing.
The needles are hair-thin and very flexible. They are nothing like the injection needles used in other medical settings. When the needles are gently stimulated they may produce a unique sensation called De Qi, a dull, achy sensation. Most of the time patients don't even feel them being inserted. Instead of feeling pain or discomfort, most individuals feel very relaxed and even end up falling asleep.
Ahhhhh acunap!
Besides acupuncture, there are many modalities without the use of needles such as:
Tui Na - medical massage to direct the movement of Qi, release tension, and calm the mind
Gua Sha - scraping the surface of the skin for the treatment of pain, respiratory illness and internal health imbalances
Moxibustion - burning dried herbs (like incense) over specific acupuncture points and channels to warm the body and settle emotions
Fire Cupping - learn more HERE
Herbal Medicine - learn more HERE
Is It Safe?
Yes! Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy, neurology, and training in Clean Needle Technique.
Aside from an advanced degree, we must pass comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and *Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
We use pre-sterilized, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety. If you are interested in learning more about evidence-based research, click HERE.
Come hydrated, have a light meal before your treatment, and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
This time is for you!
How Does Acupuncture Work
Several thousand years ago, practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stressors.
This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy called Qi, which flows along meridian pathways in the body.
Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other modalities work to restore the smooth flow of Qi.
By inserting and manipulating hair-thin needles at specific points, this restores balance and promotes the body's ability to heal itself.
How Many Appointments Do I Need?
This depends… the more acute the condition or concern, the less treatments needed. If you've been experiencing symptoms for years, then it may take some time to “peel back the layers” to get to the root.
As your practitioner, I generally strive for a 50% or more reduction in symptoms in your first 6-10 weekly or biweekly visits. Many individuals are able to move to every other week at this point and then a maintenance schedule of monthly or less frequent appointments, depending on severity and complexity of symptoms. Acupuncture works cumulatively over time.
I take a partnership approach to healthcare. My goal is for you to not only feel better after treatments, but to also gain autonomy over your health, continue the healing at home, and learn more about your physical and emotional body along the way.
Do You Take Insurance?
As coverage widely varies among insurance providers, Wild Integrative Health does not bill insurance.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) do cover acupuncture and are a great tax-free way to
budget for your care.
Employee wellness funds, such as ThrivePass, and various insurances may reimburse for acupuncture treatments. Following your visit, a 'superbill' will be sent to you, which you can submit for reimbursement.
*A credit or debit card is needed to book online, and will be billed at the time of service.
*In its original content, the term “oriental” was used to indicate land lying East of European settlers, and therefore used in racial inferiority.
Wild Integrative Health is committed to racial equity and supports a change in the use of this term.