DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Most people experience acupuncture as deeply relaxing. Very fine filaments about the diameter of one or two human hairs are used. There may be only slight discomfort on insertion. When you feel the filament contact the energy, it is a very unique sensation that ranges from an electrical current, to a flow. Different points have different sensations. By and large patients describe the sensations as fleeting and they feel very peaceful afterward.

WHY WOULD I SEE AN ACUPUNCTURIST?
Many people come for treatments to stay healthy and maximize wellness by keeping themselves in balance. Acupuncture enables us to cope with the demands and stressors of life.
Others seek treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical, emotional and mental conditions. Many people enjoy coming for treatment even after the original conditions have cleared, because continued treatment can heal at a very deep level that goes beyond the original condition.

The greatest reason to begin acupuncture treatment is to cultivate vitality and health. Acupuncture stimulates the tremendous healing power of the body, mind and spirit. Many people experience a deeper meaning to life; have greater clarity, creativity, and more positive emotional responses.

It is not just a system of medicine that heals once we are in pain or have contracted a disease. It is a true system of medicine that prevents disease, and fosters the body’s own wisdom to heal. Our definition of health in our western society is the absence of disease. To me, a broader definition of health also includes how we feel in life, our mental outlook, a sense of positive well-being. This is what I hope to help my clients to accomplish.

IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Insurance companies are now recognizing the value of acupuncture and many are offering coverage for treatment. Benefits depend on your plan. Please call your insurance company to check on your coverage and the number of visits they will cover, along with your co-pay and any deductible.

I am a participating provider with Carefirst Bluecross/ Blueshield, as well as most major insurance companies.

HOW FREQUENTLY DO I NEED TO COME TO BENEFIT FROM ACUPUNCTURE?
Frequency of treatment varies with each individual. The recommended number of times depends on many variables, one of them being why you are coming for treatment. Typically you will be seen in weekly one hour sessions for 6-8 visits. During this time, significant signs of progress will likely appear. As patients experience improvement in their condition and enjoy a greater sense of ease in life, treatments may be extended to every other week, every three weeks, monthly and eventually seasonally.

Typically pain conditions are better treated with 2 to 3 treatments a week initially. This is because treatment will bring down the pain scale. It is important to treat again before the pain scale goes back up. With continued treatment, the frequency of the visits will be adjusted and a maintenance schedule created. I have received specialized training in pain management.

Clients who come to me with deep depression, severe anxiety, or crisis conditions, are also encouraged to begin with twice a week treatment to work on getting out of the downward spiral.

Other factors to consider concerning the frequency of treatment would be the severity of the condition, the length of time that the condition has been present, and your present level of health.

WHAT IS MY FIRST VISIT LIKE?
Your first appointment will be about 2 hours long, with subsequent visits being about an hour. During this visit I would like to learn as much as possible about your medical and personal history.

We will speak at length about your health concerns and address any questions you might have about acupuncture and the healing process. The primary objective of the first appointment is to assess the underlying conditions that have led to your current health. I treat both the root of the condition, as well as the manifestation. Since you are a unique individual, your treatments are custom tailored to you and your conditions. We will look at how your health is on all levels- the emotional and mental levels are also considered. I will want to know things like: Are you are enjoying life and having fun? Are you focused, angry? What is your energy level like?

The ancient Chinese recognized that Spirit or essence was integral part of how we show up in the world and what our life experience is like. For me, this is the biggest missing piece in western medicine. When the spirit is treated, the whole person thrives.

I work to restore health physically, mentally, emotionally, and on the level where our spirit resides.

HOW QUICKLY WILL I SEE BENEFIT?
Everyone is different and we each respond in our own unique way. Most people are responsive and feel benefit with the first treatment. You do not have to be a believer in acupuncture for it to work. It has taken us a long time sometimes to create imbalances in the body. It takes time to restore health. Fortunately, acupuncture can work relatively quickly. There is no real way to predict how many treatments you will need.

DO I HAVE TO BE ILL TO BENEFIT FROM ACUPUNCTURE?
Absolutely not. Acupuncture brings a sense of well being. Many patients come for regular treatments to achieve increased effectiveness and enjoyment in life. Acupuncture helps us to respond to life’s events with less upset, and it deepens our interpersonal relationships. Acupuncture can also be a powerful preventative measure to keep us healthy throughout the year. Even seemingly insignificant mental or physical discomforts can be addressed in treatment.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT IS WORKING?
Things will begin to shift and change. You might start sleeping better and feeling more relaxed. Some of the comments people have said to me are, “Little things don’t bother me as much anymore,” ” I don’t feel as angry,” “My allergies are better,” “ My knee and back pain that I have had for 20 years disappeared.” The list of what clients have said goes on and on.

HOW DO I GET THE MOST FROM MY TREATMENTS?
Caffeine in sodas, coffee, and tea, and also alcohol during the day of the treatment is not recommended. Avoid very hot baths, and intense exercising at the gym before or after a treatment. To really get the most from your treatment, it seems that people who can relax and let go during the treatment, seem to get even more from it. My treatment space is very calming and relaxing.

ARE THE NEEDLES SAFE?
Only pre-sterilized, disposable, single use, stainless steel filaments are used then disposed of.

CONFIDENTIALITY
All HIPAA regulations are followed and by state law confidentiality is maintained at all times.

TO FIND OUT IF YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM ACUPUNCTURE, or discuss your case, I can be reached at 410-833-0801, or at sara@acupunctureandhealing.com
Office hours are by appointment. Evenings and weekends are available.



 
   
 

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
-Wayne Dyer