What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a holistic, health-promoting, and preventative therapy that benefits the body, mind, and spirit. It is a main part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a broad system that also includes Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Massage (Tui Na), Therapeutic Movement (including Tai Chi & Qi Gong, Meditation, Chinese Dietary Therapy and Geomancy (Feng Shui). These healing systems all have their roots in Ancient China and have developed through approximately 3,500 years of Chinese civilization and in other countries as well.
How does it work?
Acupuncture encourages the body to promote natural healing and improve function. This is done with various techniques, including the superficial insertion of needles, as well as the application of heat or pressure at specific points located on the surface of the skin. Stimulating these designated points in particular combinations can positively alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses.
Is acupuncture safe?
Adverse side effects of acupuncture are extremely uncommon, unlike drugs and other therapies. The American National Institute of Health concluded, "One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions."
What about the needles?
Most people report little or no discomfort, although sensations vary from person to person. During treatment, most needles are inserted just beneath the surface of the skin. Acupuncture needles are solid and extremely thin, about the thickness of two human hairs. Made of surgical-grade stainless steel, the needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposed of after every use.
What can you expect on your first and follow-up visits?
Your first visit will take 1 1/2 hours. During this time you will have the opportunity to speak in detail about the health concerns that brought you to acupuncture. We will discuss the benefits you wish to receive from treatment. Expect me to ask questions and take copious notes! Your health history will be reviewed, and a physical exam, including tongue and pulse diagnosis, will be conducted. After this, you will receive an acupuncture treatment.
Follow-up treatments last for approximately 45-50 minutes. Initially, 6 weekly visits are recommended to establish a sustainable foundation. The results that can be expected and the length of treatment required will depend on the severity of the condition, its past duration, and your current state of health. As you start to improve, the frequency of treatment will be reduced accordingly. All visits are strictly confidential.
What is the relationship between acupuncture and conventional medical care?
Acupuncture is complementary to Western medicine, rather than a replacement for it.
What are your rates, do you accept insurance?
My rates are $165 for an initial 1 1/2 hour consultation and $100 for follow-up 1-hour appointments. I provide a superbill with all the information needed should you wish to submit it to your insurance company for payment.
SCHEDULE A FREE 15-20 MINUTE CONSULTATION BY PHONE!
Please feel free to reach out to me via email at lkatelac@gmail.com or by phone at 717-706-4826.