About Acupuncture and Treatment

 Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine dating back more than 2500 years.  It works with the bodies on energy source, known as qi.  Fine, hair like needles, are inserted into specific points on the body to trigger the body to re-balance itself. 

In addition to the insertion of needles, various other modalities are included in the practice of acupuncture. 

Fire Cupping is the placement of glass cups by creating a vacuum with fire, over specific areas of the body.  Cupping is used to bring qi and blood to an area.

Gua Sha is a healing technique that involves the application of pressure to the skin in strokes, with a round edged object.  Gua Sha will remove stagnation promoting circulation.

E-Stim is the attachment of small wire to the acupuncture needles.  The wires are attached to a machine that emits gentle electrical impulses.  This promotes tissue healing and helps to alleviate pain. 

 WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

According to the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization acupuncture is effective at treating:

Neck or Cervical Pain
Lower Back Pain
Sciatica
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Headaches and Migraines
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Arthritis and Arthritic Pain
Jaw and Face Pain
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Sports Injuries
Motor Vehicle Injuries
Stress related Disorders
PMS and Menstrual Problems
Smoking Addiction
Infertility 

I AM NOT DOING FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE AT THIS TIME.

 Prior to your first treatment you will be asked to complete the new patient intake form.  You can either complete this form on line, print it from on line and bring it with you, or arrive 20 minutes early to your treatment to complete the form.  You should come to your treatment session in loose comfortable clothes, or bring a change of clothes with you.  It is not advised to come on an empty stomach, or under the influence. 

 The treatment starts out with questions about your complaint as well as other basic questions about your functioning.  Different diagnostic tests may be done including taking of the pulse, observing the tongue, palpating the Hara, or palpation of muscles.  These are all different techniques that help the practitioner determine a course of treatment.  Fine needles are then inserted into points on the body.  You could experience a number of different sensations.  These include:  tingling, heaviness, achy, warming, and moving.  The needles are not painful.  Once all the needles are inserted you will be left to rest with some peaceful music for 20 minutes.  You will be checked on to make sure you are comfortable.  The needles will then be removed and disposed of.
 

We are In Network with Federal Employee Program BCBS, and Capital Blue cross.  Please check with your insurance plan prior to treatment to see if your specific plan covers acupuncture.  Though I am in network you may not have coverage.  Some plans only cover specific conditions.  THESE ARE THE ONLY PLANS I TAKE.  I DO NOT TAKE  ANY OTHER PLANS.

Patients with out of network plans will be asked to pay for their treatment at the time of service and will be provided with a receipt to submit to their insurance for reimbursement. 

If you need to pay out of pocket treatment cost is $80 for new patient initial treatment , $60 for all follow up appointments 

EFFECTIVE 05/01/2022 THERE WILL BE A RATE 

New Patient Initial appointments will be a 45 minute appointment to review health history and treatment planning as well as do the treatment. 

We take check, cash, credit card, paypal, or venmo.

TELEMEDICINE APPOINTMENTS FOR EXISTING PATIENTS are $6 for 20-30 minutes if no insurance coverage.  Your insurance may cover this.  If you have Capital BC, Highmark BS, FEP BCBS, or a BCBS PPO network plan please check with them for telemedicine coverage 99423 CPT Code. Sessions are for EXISTING PATIENTS ONLY and to help during the Coronavirus  crisis.  Sessions can accomodate self care for pain, anxiety, gastro intestinal issues, headaches and migraines.  Guidance on stretching, diet, qigong, acupressure, e

PA allows acupuncturists to treat patients for 60 calendar days for a condition.  If the patient requires treatment beyond 60 calendar days, they are required to obtain a diagnosis from a medical doctor and supply the acupuncturist with this information.