What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
Commonly treated conditions are: addictions (drugs, alcohol, smoking); emotional disorders (anxiety, depression, insomnia, anger); pain (neck, back, shoulder joint, sciatic, arthritic); digestive, allergy, respiratory, eating, sleep disorders, including insomnia; auto-immune system disorders (fibromyalgia, thyroid problems, parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, seizures); sports performance and correction; headaches (sinus, stress and tension, migraines); obesity; postoperative recovery; strokes and partial paralysis, including Bell’s Palsy; adverse side effects of Hep-C, radiation and chemo therapy; induction of labor and malposition of fetus; infertility; TMJ; gout.
Why Would I Want To See An Acupuncturist?
If treatment by conventional medicine is not resolving your problem or results in significant adverse side effects, acupuncture may help relieve symptoms without those unwanted side effects. In some cases it may also provide a viable alternative to surgery. Acupuncture has effectively helped millions of people over thousands of years in an extremely safe, drug-free, manner. Some people choose to get treatments as a preventative measure monthly, bimonthly, or several times a year…
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The goal of acupuncture is to remove blockages to your body’s natural flow of Qi (Life/Vital Force or Energy), Energy, that flows throughout the body and allows physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Normally, when there is an imbalance, the body works naturally to restore it. However, a prolonged or excessive disruption or weakened state can bring about illness, stress, anxiety, pain or disease. Acupuncture activates the natural, self-healing abilities of the body.
How Long Does A Treatment Take?
An initial exam takes longer than follow-up acupuncture treatments. The initial Intake includes taking a full history of your health and how your relationships with family, friends, work and to your environment in general, allowing for a comprehensive diagnosis and plan of treatment. Visits vary depending on what is being treated and the chronicity of the disorder. Treatments may last from 30 to 90 minutes.
How Often Will I Need Treatments?
The number of treatments and frequency depend on a number of factors, including a person’s general state of health, what is being treated, the severity of problems, and for how long the person has been afflicted. Since people heal at different rates, and since chronic conditions often take longer to resolve than acute ones, some patients will experience immediate relief while others may take a number of treatments.
What Are The Needles Like And What May I Experience During Treatment?
The needles are solid, flexible, sterile, disposable needles (one-use only) that vary in thickness and length, depending on the area on the body and the condition being treated. Sometimes patients feel a slight pin prick, when the needle is first being inserted, although most of the time nothing is felt at the point of needle insertion,. After the needle is inserted, patients may experience a heaviness, mild tingling, or dull ache that quickly subsides. Most patients find treatment to be relaxing and may fall asleep. Following treatment there may be an energized feeling, or a deep sense of relaxation or well-being.
Is Acupuncture Covered By Insurance?
An increasing number of insurance companies allow acupuncture treatments. Dr. Peterson is an approved provider for Veteran’s Choice and VA Direct Pay and will submit insurance information to his billing company to verify insurance coverage and whether a person’s plan will cover acupuncture treatments. At this time Medicare and Medicaid do not cover acupuncture. For patients without insurance benefits, payment is required at the time of treatment and Dr. Peterson works with people to reach an equitable payment that’s both affordable for the patient and covers his costs. If you have a Flexible Spending Plan or Health Savings Plan, acupuncture almost always qualifies for reimbursement. Ask for a detailed receipt after your visit so you can access those benefits.