Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a proven medical treatment used to address various health issues. It is a branch of Chinese Medicine that has been practiced for over 2000 years. Acupuncture aims to treat illness, prevent disease, and boost overall well-being by inserting needles at specific points in precise combinations. Sounds crazy, right? It’s genuinely remarkable how placing stainless steel needles in specific spots can have such significant and beneficial effects on our bodies beyond just treating symptoms.

There are thousands of styles of acupuncture.  I liken an acupuncture needle to a paint brush.  You cannot say, “I tried acupuncture,” it didn’t work.   That is like saying “I saw a painting and wasn’t impressed”  and then make a judgment that all paintings are unimpressive.  Many factors go into making an acupuncture treatment a successful therapy for you.  Obvious ones are of course the practitioner’s skill and depth of their toolbox.  Also meaningful is the patient/practitioner relationship – how well do you connect?    Some people also respond to certain styles better than others.

What are the needles like?

All acupuncturists in the US use only FDA-approved, sterile, disposable needles. They are used just once. These needles are carefully manufactured under FDA guidance and pose almost no risk of infection. Some people fear acupuncture needles because of their past experiences with hypodermic needles, which are meant to tear through skin and blood vessels. In contrast, acupuncture needles are designed to penetrate the skin at a shallow depth. The needles I use range from 26 to 32 gauge. Other practitioners, such as those practicing Japanese acupuncture (which I used to do), use 38-gauge needles or thinner, which are very thin.

How many needles do you use and where do you put them?
The number and placement of needles depend on the style used. Over 98% of my treatments employ an amazingly effective Korean style called Saam, which typically involves four needles per treatment. Sometimes, I use a Tung style treatment for pain conditions, which can have from 3 to 8 needles. Most treatments usually have four needles but rarely more than 8. All the points in the Saam system are distal from the elbows, fingers, knees, and toes. These points are the only ones mentioned in the Classic Huang Di Nei Jing.

Does acupuncture hurt?
In the style I practice, you may feel the needle penetrate the skin. However, once the needle is inserted and you settle on the table, there should be minimal discomfort, and people typically slip into a deep state of relaxation. You may feel a sensation of warmth, heaviness, or energy moving through the body. The vast majority of people, even those who were afraid of acupuncture, find the experience very relaxing and rejuvenating.

What conditions do you treat?
I believe that even the most chronic conditions are worth trying three treatments to see if health can improve. I have been amazed at some of the changes that have occurred right before my eyes after inserting four needles. One thing I do not have much success with is tinnitus. If your only complaint is tinnitus, then I am not the right person for you. However, tinnitus is rarely seen alone, as there are often other symptoms as well.

The common statement you see on many acupuncture websites, including mine, is:

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture effective for a variety of ailments some of which include:
General: Allergies, Asthma, Sinusitis, Headaches, TMJ, Back Pain, Sciatica, Musculoskeletal Problems, Insomnia, Anxiety, Dizziness, Depression, High Blood Pressure, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Addictions, Indigestion, Constipation, Sexual Dysfunction, Post-Operative Recovery, Palliative Care.
Women’s Health: Menstrual Irregularities, Menopause, Conception Difficulties, Pregnancy, Childbirth, Lactation Difficulties, Postpartum, Ovarian and Uterine Problems.
Men’s Health: Prostate, Infertility, Impotence.
Preventative Health: Prevention, Stress Management, Wellness, Seasonal Attunement.

I do have special interest and excellent results with the following conditions:

• Digestive issues such as IBS, colitis, gas, bloating
• Anxiety
• Gynecological Imbalances
• Fatigue including CFS
• Maternal Health, especially during pregnancy and post-partum care
• Pain management, especially of the lower back, neck, and shoulders

How does acupuncture work?
That is the million-dollar question. Modern research is currently trying to uncover the physiological effects of acupuncture, and one theory suggests that it affects the tensegrity of our facial tissue. The fascia is a three-dimensional matrix of tissue that covers our entire body, and recent studies have shown that it contains complex intercellular signaling. Over 80% of all major acupuncture points lie within fascial boundaries between muscles and bones, and specific meridian systems directly align with fascial planes.

What should I wear?
You should wear comfortable clothing. You can wear baggy pants or sweats on the bottom and a comfy shirt on top. I often tell my patients to leave a pair of shorts in the car and change in the room.

How many sessions do I need, and how often should I get treated?
Each person varies in terms of treatment frequency and duration. For acute conditions, you might come in twice a week until your main issues improve significantly. For chronic conditions, it is usually once a week for several weeks, and then we will re-evaluate. Ultimately, it depends on your specific condition and overall health.

It is important to note that 10 people can present with the same Western diagnosis mentioned above, and each one receives a different treatment based on their presentation. That is the beauty of the Saam acupuncture system, as it restores function in the body rather than treating a specific disease.

How long does a session last?
Each follow-up session, including intake, typically lasts about 40-55 minutes.
Your initial comprehensive session will usually last 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How much does acupuncture cost?
The standard fee for acupuncture is $80 per session, depending on how many times per week you need treatment and the complexity of your case. The initial session costs an additional $80 for the comprehensive intake.
Since I am a licensed dietitian, acupuncture sessions almost always include a discussion about diet and nutrition, which are fundamental to good health. Each session offers more than just inserting needles, as diet, lifestyle, supplements, and herbal remedies are often part of the treatment plan.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?
I am a preferred provider for most Massachusetts plans that contract with acupuncturists. Currently, these plans include, but are not limited to: Aetna, United, BCBS, UMR, HPHC, Tufts, BMC-Masshealth, and Fallon. If you have insurance with one of these plans, they are billed directly, and you are responsible for copays and deductibles.

All acupuncture treatments are eligible for coverage under pre-tax health savings accounts. You can use health savings plan credit cards or submit superbills for all acupuncture visits.

Find out how you can benefit from acupuncture by making a free 15 minute consultation appointment. You can send a message or call 978-461-2001.