FAQ - East Asian Medicine
So you’re sticking me with needles. Does it hurt?
It is nothing like getting a shot at the doctor. You may feel a little pinch, but most of the time you won’t even know they are being inserted. Remember, this medicine has been around for over 3000 years, any discomfort is short-lived and the results are worth it!
I don’t like needles. Is that a problem?
Who likes to be poked by needles? I hear this statement every day, and first timers still get acupuncture and they still come back to me. It really doesn’t hurt and if you are really scared, we can start with acupressure. And no, if you are being treated for sexual dysfunction, I don’t put needles there! You know what I mean!
Is acupuncture safe?
Absolutely, so long as it is done by a trained practitioner. Licensed acupuncturists go to postgraduate medical school for 4 years to learn how to properly administer this complex medicine. Be aware of who your practitioner is. Most MDs, Chiropractors and PTs have only gone to a few weekend seminar classes to learn how to needle. When people come up to me and say “Oh, I have tried acupuncture, it doesn’t work!” I ask them where did they get treated and 9 times out of 10 they have gone to an MD, Chiropractor or PT. Go to a Licensed Acupuncturist and let other practitioners do what they do best.
Overall, I am glad to see conventional medicine fall in love with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine! However, dry-needling is a term that non-acupuncturists use to say they do acupuncture but have not graduated from acupuncture school. While the same needles are used, similar points are treated and the needles are manipulated in the same way, dry-needling is administered by someone without the same level of training as a licensed acupuncturist and who does not incorporate the full range of traditional Chinese Medical theories into the treatment process. I am happy to answer any questions you have on the difference between the two modalities.
What is the difference between acupuncture and “dry-needling” or “trigger-point needling”?
I prescribe western and chinese herbs to most of my patients. Herbs work in a subtle yet powerful way on the body. They should only be prescribed by a qualified Chinese herbalist or acupuncturist. I only use products from highly reputable, GMP-certified suppliers. Before going to acupuncture school, I worked in the manufacturing sector of the bio-tech pharmaceutical industry, so incorporating the highest quality medicinals available is of the utmost importance to me.
What about Chinese Herbs, are they safe?
Yes! Chinese medicine was designed as a preventative medicine. You will be doing yourself and your body a great service by coming in before problems come up. A great way for preventative medicine to work is to come in when the seasons change, before allergy or cold/flu season, or just when you feel the stress start to come on.
I don’t have some awful disease or problem, can I still get acupuncture?
It depends on the issue. Is it acute or chronic? Have you had it for 2 weeks or 20 years or more? This medicine is all about you, the individual. I may have 5 people come in for insomnia or arthritis and I may treat all 5 very differently. I usually suggest a minimum of 6 visits to start. You may start to feel better after the first treatment or after cumulative visits. I wish I could make everyone better with one appointment, but it has usually taken your body years to get to where it is, so it can take a few visits to get better. This isn’t about taking a pill and that will address your symptoms disappear for a few hours. This is about getting to the root of the problem and getting rid of it, not covering it up! Patience, grasshopper.
How many times do I need to come in for treatment?
No, but more and more insurance companies cover acupuncture. 10 years ago, my insurance covered 100% of all my acupuncture treatments. Call Love Health at 720-295-5690 to discuss your plan. We can supply a superbill for you to submit. HSA, FSA, Health Account Cards are all accepted.
Do you take insurance?
Most likely you will feel very relaxed and some patients even fall asleep. Treatment lasts between 45 - 60 minutes, with the first session lasting longer so we can go over your health history and answer any questions you or I may have. You will lay on the treatment table and I will feel your pulses and look at your tongue. They tell a lot about what is going on inside the body. Then I will come up with a treatment plan and herbal prescription. ONLY sterilized, one-time use needles are used and discarded after use. You will have needles in anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Most of the time, I have to interrupt my patients napping to take them out! Yes, snoring is allowed.
What is a treatment session like?
Call and schedule your appointment today and you can begin expanding in Abundance, Success, Love and Health and Inspire others to do the same.
This all sounds great. When can I start to feel better?
Good health...
... is the most important thing!
“I am starting to feel like I’m getting my body and health back and without their help I would not be where I am today.”