Frequent asked questions

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most common and dependable medical therapies used in the world. It is by nature simple, safe and effective health care. Acupuncture practitioners use thin, sterile disposable needles inserted superficially into specific areas of the body in order to help the body's ability to heal itself.

What can Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can treat but is not limited to:
Pain: Low Back, Neck, Knee, all joints in general, Headaches
Emotional: Stress, Anxiety, Depression and other psychological conditions.
Sports Injuries
Digestive Problems: Gastritis, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD), Chrons Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Constipation, Diarrhea, Obesity.
Gynecological: Irregular periods, Infertility, TPM, Hot Flashes related to menopause
Insomnia
Allergies
Acne
Fibromyalgia
If you have a disorder or condition that is not listed please call me to discuss it.
Acupuncture also works very well in conjunction with Physical Therapy, Chiropractic and conventional Medicine treatments.

How does Acupuncture works?
The classic Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the Acupuncture point stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by Acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Generally, Acupuncture does not hurt. Some people feel the needles as they go in, and some people feel nothing. Acupuncture needles are solid, not hollow like hypodermic needles, and they are much, much thinner - about the diameter of a thick human hair.

Do you sterilize your needles?
Needles are one time use only. They are taken from a sterile package used and put into a biohazard box. 

Why Community Acupuncture?
It is effective and inexpensive. Acupuncture has a dosage like any other form of healing and it's hard, with today's economy, to ask a patient to return 2 or 3 times per week to feel better if I had to charge for private treatments. Community Acupuncture is a business model that accommodates both results and financial needs.

How many treatments will I need?
I will consult with you about the number of treatments necessary for your condition. It will depend on the individual, the condition being treated, and the severity of that condition. Although you may experience some effects immediately, such as relaxation and temporary pain relief, it may take 3-5 treatments to see initial benefits. Substantial improvement can require 10 or more treatments. This is why it is so important to us to provide affordable acupuncture, so that you can get better. Once progress has been made, the number and frequency of treatments can be reduced.

Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance. Because we have a sliding scale we are not allowed to bill insurance. If you do have insurance that covers acupuncture, we would be happy to provide you with a receipt to mail into your insurance company, so you can be reimbursed.  We are not affiliated with any insurance companies, so you will have to verify your benefits, and ask your company if they allow reimbursement.