Frequently Asked Questions:

How does acupuncture feel?

During an acupuncture treatment, specialized acupuncture needles, about the size of a thick hair, are inserted at points of the body’s energy pathways. Patients may experience different energetic sensations, such as warmth or pressure. Many patients describe the sensation as an unfamiliar, but pleasant and relaxing feeling. Over the centuries, refined needle insertion techniques have been developed to enable the skilled acupuncturist to place a needle with little or no sensation for a majority of patients.

Is acupuncture safe?

Based on the millions of treatments in the West during the past two decades, very few problems have been reported. Currently, state and federal agencies have established strict procedures for needle sterilization. Accordingly, our experts at Chinese Acupuncture and Herbs Center only use pre-sterilized, disposable needles.

Is acupuncture effective?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has publicly recognized that acupuncture is suitable for the treatment of many disorders, including physical, psychological, and emotional problems. In recent years, acupuncture has been embraced throughout the world as a result of its effectiveness. More and more physicians are encouraging their patients to give acupuncture a try; some medical doctors even obtained acupuncture certification themselves, so that they can better help their patients.

How does acupuncture work?

According to modern Western science, the human body is a complex bioelectric system. In traditional Chinese medicine, energy is believed to circulate throughout the body along 14 well-defined energy pathways or meridians. Points on the skin along these pathways are energetically connected to specific organs, body structures, and systems. These energy pathways are sometimes blocked or disrupted, resulting in negative health outcomes.

Through the stimulation of well-defined acupuncture points, energy pathways can again be reconnected and balanced. The body’s vitality is restored and the body begins to heal itself.

Acupuncture also stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. It blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain and increases circulation in the problem area, promoting tissue regeneration. Acupuncture effectively deactivates trigger points, which are overly sensitive spots beneath the skin that sometimes "trigger" pain.

How long does treatment take?

Each patient is unique. Some patients will respond to acupuncture more quickly than others. The number of treatment visits necessary depends specifically on the severity of a person’s condition and upon his or her overall health. It is not uncommon for patients to experience significant effectiveness after one or two treatments. Six to fifteen treatments within a three- to five-week period is typically a normal course of treatment; then the case is reevaluated. Chronic issues may take longer to heal. Sometimes periodic maintenance treatments are highly recommended.

Payment Methods

Payment is due at the time of service. For your convenience, payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

Health Insurance

According to our experiences, many insurance companies do not usually cover acupuncture treatments. If you have High Mark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance-Federal Employee Program, you will have coverage. If not, we always encourage the patient to call and inquire about his or her precise benefits.

• Federal Employee-Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
• Workers' Compensation
• Auto insurances are accepted

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel an appointment for any reason, the courtesy of 24-hour advance notice is sincerely requested. Missed appointments without notice will be charged according to the full fee.

Questions

If you have any questions, we would love to speak with you and address any inquiries. Kindly contact us at 412-563-3328, or leave a message on our voice mail with your name, telephone number and a good time to reach you. We will strive to return your call within 24 hours.