Some common questions about acupuncture are answered below. Call us if you have other questions or if you are interested in improving your life through acupuncture treatment.
There are twelve pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking for twenty-seven individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.
The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.
Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.
Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tuina.
The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.
Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.
Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed. It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.
Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:
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Insurance coverage varies from state to state. In Oregon, most insurance companies offer a plan that does cover acupuncture. Medicare does not pay for acupuncture, but some insurance companies offer a supplemental plan that does. Medicaid offers acupuncture coverage only for certain conditions and you will need a doctor’s referral. We also offer affinity discounts for people who’s insurance does not cover acupuncture to help them with their time of service treatment costs.
Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:
We are In-Network with most insurance plans in Oregon. If you are in a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) you do not need a referral to receive acupuncture, you can ‘self-refer’ and we will bill your auto insurance using your claim number. Workman’s Comp requires a doctor’s referral, as does The Oregon Health Plan (OHP). If you have questions about whether your insurance will cover acupuncture, we can help find out. Give us a call at 971-273-7177.
