FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest health care modalities in the world. Originating in China more than 3,000 years ago, acupuncture involves the placement of tiny, sterile needles into specific points on the body. There are over 450 acupuncture points from head to toe, and your acupuncturist will decide which unique point combination is best for you based on your current symptoms and health history.
2. What does acupuncture feel like?
Everyone experiences acupuncture differently, but most people feel little to no pain when the needles are inserted. If there is any discomfort when the needle is inserted this usually subsides within a few seconds. The most common sensation felt during acupuncture is a generalized heaviness in the body, or a sense or deep pressure in the muscles. Some individuals feel energized after a treatment, but the majority of people feel relaxed. Some people even fall asleep while resting on the table.
3. What is a treatment like?
After taking a health history and discussing the issues you would like to focus on the acupuncturist will carefully select acupuncture points that are best suited for your unique condition. You may be asked to lie either on your back or on your belly, and your acupuncturist will instruct you on how far down to undress. Once the acupuncture points are inserted and you verify that you are feeling okay, the acupuncturist will step out of the room to allow you time to rest and relax. Although each acupuncture treatment is different as far as how many needles are used and how long one lies on the table, generally you will be relaxing for up to 30 minutes.
4. What should I expect?
Acupuncture tends to have a cumulative effect on the body, and most often a series of 3-6 acupuncture treatments is recommended. There are some individuals who experience tremendous relief after the first acupuncture visit, but it is generally stressed to allow at least 3 treatments before you throw in the towel. As mentioned, the majority of acupuncture patients feel relaxed and heavy on the table, and this feeling can carry over after the treatment is complete. It’s always a good idea to have eaten prior to your acupuncture session, and to let your acupuncturist know if your experience any dizziness or nausea. Occasionally some people experience muscle soreness around the needle insertion sites the day after acupuncture, but the majority of patients feel great after an acupuncture session.
Our acupuncturists treat a wide range of health concerns. Whether your problem is new or long-standing chances are that acupuncture can help you. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that acupuncture is effective in treating:
- * Ankle pain
- * Carpal tunnel
- * Depression
- * Headaches
- * Hip pain
- * Insomnia
- * Anxiety
- * Digestive Troubles
- * Elbow pain
- * Knee pain
- * Low back pain
- * Morning sickness
- * Nausea
- * Bronchitis
- * Fatigue
- * Fertility
- * Sciatica
- * Stress
- * Shoulder pain
- * Menstrual & Menopausal complaints
Loveland AcupuntureYes. Chinese herbal formulas are a blend of anywhere from 4-16 different all natural herbs that work to re-establish balance from the inside out. The herbs range from roots and leaves to seeds and tree barks. Chinese herbal formulas address many health conditions, but a few of the most common ones are: chronic pain, digestive issues, and menopausal complaints. These formulas will give your acupuncture treatment an added boost, and are a great, inexpensive way to get you on the path to feeling better more quickly.
7. Will acupuncture be covered by my personal health insurance?
In most cases, acupuncture is not covered under personal health insurance. There are a few plans that do cover acupuncture. However, you should double check with your insurer before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture will be covered and to what extent. (Medicare does not cover acupuncture, and we are not contracted with Blue Cross Blue Shield for acupuncture)
Colorado’s auto injury laws have recently changed. Since January 1, 2009, any new or re-newed auto policy must include a minimum of $5000.00 Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay). This means that each person in your car will immediately have $5000.00 available to seek medical treatment from the bodily injury sustained in the accident. However, you have the right to opt out of MedPay coverage and the premium associated with it. As long as you have MedPay on your policy, you can use it to pay for acupuncture services.
9. I was injured on the job. Does worker’s comp cover acupuncture?
Worker’s Compensation will cover acupuncture services if it is authorized by your worker’s compensation doctor. The worker’s compensation doctor must write out a referral for a specific number of acupuncture visits and must get the visits authorized by the insurance company. Once this is in place, we can bill worker’s comp for your visits.