Does acupuncture hurt?

No, acupuncture should not hurt. Though people can feel a variety of sensations during a treatment. A momentary tap might be felt around the needle as it is gently inserted. This is often followed by a dull pressure or tingling around the area during the treatment. Most people are amazed by how relaxed they feel during and after the treatment. This relaxation can only occur if the treatment is comfortable and gentle.

Is acupuncture safe?

When a treatment is given by a licensed and skilled practitioner, acupuncture is extremely safe. Acupuncturists are required to have years of training in western and Chinese medicine and undergo rigorous state certification. They are also required to use disposable needles that are discarded after one use.

How can acupuncture help me?

Acupuncture unblocks stagnation in the energy flow, which circulates to all parts of the body, even the cells. Blocked energy leads to dysfunction in the body, ill health, pain and eventually death. It is vital that your energy flow remain unobstructed and balanced for you to maintain sound health. Acupuncture not only can keep you healthy but has the added benefit of providing you with a general sense of well being after each treatment.

If you are suffering from chronic disease, pain or have been diagnosed with an illness and are concerned about taking pharmaceutical drugs, acupuncture may be a viable alternative for you!

Acupuncture sounds very new age. Does it really work?

Acupuncture is a very ancient and a time-tested medicine. It is a branch of Chinese Medicine, which has been in existence for at least 5000 years. Some claim as long as 7000. It was the medicine of the Emperors of China and literally billions of people have been successfully treated for a wide variety of symptoms, conditions, injuries and diseases. It also is the fastest growing health care method in America and its word of mouth success has primarily been through satisfied patients. There are thousands of studies, performed to test acupuncture’s effectiveness. It is used in hospitals, drug rehabilitation clinics, pain management facilities, and veterinary clinics and to enhance the performance of professional athletes.

What conditions are treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health & the World Health Organization to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below is just a small sampling of what Acupuncture has been effective in treating.

Can I go to acupuncture even if I’m not sick?

YES! The perfect time to have acupuncture is before you get sick. It can take time for physical symptoms and pain to manifest in the body. Once symptoms are present they can sometimes be more difficult to treat. Through my initial intake and utilizing tongue and pulse diagnosis I can often detect imbalances in the channels before a physical problem occurs and can offer treatments to boost your immune system and harmonize the body.

Regular treatments either weekly, monthly or even seasonally can keep you healthy especially as you age. Prevention is a vital key to optimal health.

How many treatments will I need and how often should I come in?

Chronic illness does not materialize overnight. It is usually the result of countless years of stress from improper lifestyle. Also, each patient’s health problems are unique and each body responds differently to treatment. For these reasons, the number and frequency of treatments can vary. Also, acupuncture has cumulative effects. Every treatment builds upon the previous one. You may feel really good after one treatment but it’s important to finish the recommended series for maximum effect especially if you are coming in for a specific condition or injury. Depending on what your chief complaint is, I advise people to come in 4-6 times, and then I reassess after that.

How long do treatments take?

The initial and first follow-up treatment last approximately 1.5 hours and follow-ups after that are generally 50 minutes.

What is nutritional counseling?

As a practitioner of Chinese Medicine I advise patients on optimal food choices to support their health. Food can either be used as medicine or it can be poison. For example if you come in complaining about a sprained ankle, foods such as caffeine, red meat and sugar will create more inflammation in your body and therefore more pain. Food is the fuel that your body requires to function properly. When you consistently put the wrong fuel in your body, you not only minimize the efficacy of your acupuncture treatments, but you can set yourself up for further disease. I educate people on optimal food choices so that they can make better decisions for their health.

What are Wellness Consultations?

Many of my patients have been so pleased with their treatments that they have often wished their loved ones could also benefit from the same information. For this reason, I now provide Wellness Consultations by telephone where I can advise and educate people in any part of the country on nutrition, natural supplements and lifestyle recommendations. This is of great benefit when you have questions regarding what kind of care might be best for your condition or live in an area where alternative medicine is more scarce and are looking for safe, natural and effective solutions for your health concerns.

Does the clinic offer Chinese herbs? If so, what kind?

With your best interest in mind, Modern Alchemy is proud to offer you a wide range of high quality herbal formulas to suit your individual needs. Although many herbal products on store shelves share similar ingredients and names, the safety, potency and purity of each product can vary considerably between companies. You can be assured that the herbal formulas we offer are made of active ingredients, not concentrates. These science and time-tested formulas are also of pharmaceutical grade quality and free of chemical contaminants, preservatives and toxicity. As always, your optimum health is our number one concern.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

There are several plans that now cover acupuncture. Modern Alchemy Acupuncture will gladly give you a super-bill for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Cash and check are the currently the accepted forms of payment.

Why should I choose you over another acupuncturist?

You should always choose a health care provider who you feel comfortable with, someone who maintains a high level of professionalism and ultimately, someone who you can trust. I love what I do and my goal is to provide the highest level of care available to help you reach your optimal health physically, emotionally and spiritually. The following are the reasons why Modern Alchemy Acupuncture is unique and can provide the quality of care and trust you are searching for.