What should I expect?
The practitioner will want to know your medical history, concerns, and reason for the visit. He/she will check your wrist pulse and ask to see your tongue, both of which give information about your health. Then you will lie on a comfortable treatment table and receive needles in specific locations to treat the cause of your concern. if you prefer not to have acupuncture, then acupressure or some other form of gentle point stimulation may be used. You are asked for feedback of any sensations you encounter during the treatment. Usually, you rest for about twenty minutes. Often people sleep while the needles are in place. Sometimes, a condition will be relieved rapidly. If a situation has been present for a while, slow and steady progress may be necessary for maximum benefit.
Are the needles safe?
The needles are one-time-use disposable needles, which are very thin, about the diameter of a single human hair. Often people do not even feel the needles. Sometimes the area will feel heavy or achy at first, which usually subsides in a minute or so. This just means that the needle is working well. Placement of the needles is very specifically taught in Oriental medical schools to avoid any problems. Acupuncture by a licensed practitioner is widely recognized for its very low incidence of adverse effects.
Will my insurance company pay for it?
Some insurance companies do provide coverage for acupuncture. If you are not sure, you can check with your insurance provider through the customer service phone number on your insurance card. I am happy to bill your insurance carrier if it is a covered service. Keep in mind that there is usually a small co-payment that you will still be required to pay.
Why would I come to an Oriental medicine practitioner?
There are many reasons to make a visit. Often people think of going to see an acupuncture physician when in pain or ill, but prevention by maintaining the balance of your health is very helpful. The World Health Organization recognizes a number of conditions which clinical experience indicates can be treated by acupuncture. Some of the conditions have been documents in clinical trials to have a positive benefit. Ongoing studies will no doubt confirm the treatments which are used by a large portion of the world's populace. The following is a partial list of some of the conditions which may be improved with Oriental medicine:
If you have any questions about a condition or symptom you are experiencing, please call to discuss your situation with Acupuncture Physician Donna Henderson at (352) 222-1679 or (352) 473-9304.