Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture and how long has it been around?
Acupuncture is a modality of Chinese Medicine that dates back 2,000 years. Small, sterile needles are placed at specific locations on the body with the ultimate goal of enhancing our innate healing abilities and freeing the flow of qi, or energy.
What conditions can acupuncture help?
At the Acupuncture Studio we treat both acute and chronic conditions, as well as preventative care. Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of ailments including: pain, stress, digestive imbalances, insomnia, headaches, infertility, anxiety, depression, addiction and so much more.
The World Health Organization recognizes a list of diseases, symptoms, or conditions for which acupuncture has been shown to be effective: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/42414/1/9241545437.pdf
How does the community setting work?
Our mission remains to provide effective acupuncture treatments at an affordable cost, making acupuncture accessible to everyone. At our clinic acupuncture treatments take place in reclining chairs in a large common room. It is a set-up that is not only surprisingly relaxing, but also very practical; we can treat several people in the same hour and therefore reduce the cost of your visit. Although we work in a community space, as medical professionals we always adhere to strict standards of patient confidentiality, and ask our patients for the same common respect. We want you to be comfortable in the community room! We offer pillows, blankets, and earplugs. We also encourage you to participate in making yourself comfortable! You can bring your own pillow, blanket, and personal music players with headphones. If there is anything else we can do to increase your comfort, please let us know.
How does the sliding scale work?
We operate on a sliding scale of $25-$3. The
sliding scale is non-income based; you decide what you can afford and there is
never any need to prove your income. The “right” amount to pay is whatever
amount will allow you to come in often enough to feel better.
**There is a
onetime additional $10 charge for your first appointment.
Do you accept insurance?
As a result of our sliding scale, we do not bill insurance companies. We would rather let you decide how much to pay and how often to come, not the insurance company. If your insurance does cover acupuncture, we are happy to provide you with a detailed receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
How will you treat my back pain while I’m lying in a recliner?
There are many different styles of acupuncture and the great news is, they all work to achieve the same goal of encouraging the body to heal itself. At the Acupuncture Studio we use acupuncture points below the elbows & knees, and on the head to treat a wide variety of conditions. For this reason, you are able to comfortably relax in a chair for the duration of the treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
You can generally assume that the more chronic the condition, the more treatment it will require. We encourage patients to try to come 1-2 times per week, for about a month in order to see what kind of a difference acupuncture can make it their life. We often suggest the first few treatments be as often and close together as your situation allows. Acupuncture is a process, healthy changes occur over time and acupuncture is no exception.
Does it hurt?
Most people are pleasantly surprised with how tiny and comfortable the needles are. The thin, solid, stainless steel filaments are nothing like the needles you may be used to at the doctors office. You may feel a tiny pinch when the needle is first inserted but that should subside almost immediately.
How long should I expect a treatment to last?
Planning to be at your visit for approximately one hour is usually a good estimate. New patients may take a bit longer, as there is paperwork to complete and time will be allotted to talk with the acupuncturist. Most people relax in the chair, with the needles in, for about 45mins. That being said, we encourage you to relax for as long as you are comfortable. Some patients relax much longer while other patients are ready to get up sooner. We ask that you let the acupuncturist know when you are ready to have the needles removed.
What should I do during the treatment?
Relax! When in the treatment room we encourage you to relax as much as possible. We strongly discourage texting, e-mailing, or any other activities that may hinder your ability, and/or the ability of others in the room, to relax.
What if the community room is too noisy, or uncomfortable?
The community setting may require some flexibility. Patients who dislike snoring can bring earplugs or personal music players to their treatments.We have pillows and blankets or you can bring your own. Please tell us if you need anything! We need you to participate in making yourself comfortable in the community room.
Is there anything I should do after a treatment?
Drink plenty of water- the body uses water to complete many of its healing processes. Staying well hydrated will help your body respond as well as possible to the treatment. Rest and Relax- We realize this isn’t always realistic but trying to take it easy and avoid stress immediately following a treatment helps to maintain the relaxed state in which healing occurs.
ACUPUNCTURE STUDIO CANCELLATION POLICY
** The Acupuncture Studio requires 24 hours notice for any cancellation, or you will be charged for the appointment. **