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Direct billing available for car and work accident
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Easy, Simple, Convenient Insurance Claim Many insurance companies elect to cover acupuncture, naturopathy and massage therapy.
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Acupuncture-Frequently Asked Questions
What is benefit of acupuncture?
The practice of acupuncture can be dated back to Stone Age in China. However, It was sometime around 2nd century B.C. that acupuncture was well documented. Since then, acupuncture theories have been developed over last 2000 years. Although the mechanisms of action by acupuncture remain unclear, acupuncture has grown great popularity in the world. When modern medicine has the lack of effective treatments for many diseases, patients are desperate to search better ways to maintain optimal health. Among alternative medicines are traditional herbal medicine, Acupuncture, Ayeuvedic medicine, Western herbal medicine, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Massage therapy, Indian Yoga. etc. Acupuncture medicine aims to help reach optimal health state through balancing Yin and Yang (two opposing forces), improving the circulation of Qi and Blood, and enhancing production of Qi and elimination of toxin. To this end, a special system called meridian system is activated upon the stimulation of their acupuncture points. The meridians and their branches are distributed all over the body. They connect from skin to organs, carry Qi and Blood to nourish body cells and tissues. Although acupuncture has been practiced for more than 3500 years, it is still not fully clear how it works.
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Is acupuncture painful?
No. Unlike the thicker and hollow injection needles, acupuncture needles are fine, metallic and solid (0.12-0.30 mm). While they are skillfully inserted into selective points on your body, patients feel minimal prick pain and tiny needling sensation. Some of them feel relaxed, while others are energized by treatment. In our clinic, most of patients always say that it is much better than what they imagine
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Is acupuncture safe?
Certainly. Each state or province regulates acupuncture practice differently. The bottom line is that acupuncturists use disposable needles and follow standard sterilization procedures during acupuncture treatment. Some acupuncture points are located adjacent to some important organs and large arteries, acupuncturists are usually trained to prevent needles from damaging these tissues.
If you wear pacemaker, are pregnant, or take blood thinner, please bring the matters to your acupuncturist's attention. Female patients should inform her practitioner if she has period.
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Is acupuncture just good for pain ?
This is totally misconception. Although acupuncture is very effective in controlling pain, it is not all about it. Acupuncture can treat a variety of health conditions ranging from immunity boosting to cardiac arrhythmia. The following is a brief list tabled by World Health Organization (WHO).
Respiratory system
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Digestive system
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Gynecology
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Neurology
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Musculoskeletal system
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Emotional disorder
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Eye-Nose-Throat
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Miscellaneous
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In fact, this is not an exclusive list of health problems treated by acupuncture, Fibromyalgia, Infertility, Obesity, Sport injuries, Cancer are frequently treated in our clinic.
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How does acupuncture treatment differ from pain killers?
| Objectives | Mechanism of action | Benefits | Side effects | |
| Acupuncture | Direct pain control
Enhance healing
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Stimulate nervous system to release
endogenous pain killer
Improve circulation of Blood and Energy |
Long-term healing effects | No |
| Pain killers | Pain control | Suppress central nervous system or block receptor of hormone for pain transmission | Short-term fast effects | Gastric irritation
Liver damage Drowsy Others depend on medications |
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What do I expect during an acupuncture treatment?
During the first visit, you should bring any medical documents to your acupuncturist. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire collecting your medical history and basic personal information. Your practitioner will obtain a complete picture of your health state, daily diet, habit, behavior which may contribute to the condition. During the consultation, it is very important for patients to describer all of your symptoms and daily physical activities in details, since a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncturist heavily depends on your subjective description. After Chinese medical examine, your practitioner will explain to you possible diagnosis and treatment plan.
During a session of acupuncture treatment, you will be asked to lie on a treatment table and relax a few minutes. And acupuncturist will instruct you to prepare for the treatment. Disposable acupuncture needles will be gently inserted into selective points on arms, legs, backs or abdomen, etc. depending on your condition. With light music, you relax calmly on the table and acupuncture takes effect. Some acupuncturists may combine acupuncture with electrical stimulation, cupping, moxibustion or other methods. After 30 minutes, a session of acupuncture treatment is finished. Sometimes you may need more time depending on your acupuncturist. Other treatment may be added to your acupuncture treatment.
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Will acupuncture be covered by insurance?
Most of insurance companies elect to cover acupuncture, your treatments are possibly covered under your group insurance policy if you have one. You can find related information in the booklet issued to the insured or simply call the insurance company for the information. If you would like us to bill your insurance company directly for your treatments, call your insurance agent for the possibility. Please don't hesitate to contact us for any assistance. If insurance company doesn't allow direct billing, you can send receipt to the insurance company for the reimbursement.
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How does acupuncture work?
The documented evidences explain possible mechanisms of action underlying acupuncture treatment. Studies have shown that opiate systems are activated and endogenous painkiller are released into central nervous system during acupuncture treatment. Studies for other health issues presented evidences that acupuncture may work through the regulation of sympathetic nervous system. Although many studies have been done in China over past 40 years, no further conclusion has been made.