How does Acupuncture work & what does it treat?

Acupuncture uses single use disposable needles that are inserted into certain points in the body depending on your condition. Within our body we have an ability to heal ourselves. For example, when you get the common cold and you don't take any medication for it, eventually your body has the ability to overcome the cold and get better due to the body's internal healing mechanisms. Acupuncture works on this same premise and helps to promote your body's own internal healing abilities from the inside. Acupuncture facilitates your body's own production of natural endorphins or painkillers which is why it can be so beneficial in the reduction of pain. Acupuncture also has the ability to act as an anti-inflammatory as well increasing local blood flow and circulation to certain areas of the body. 

Since acupuncture works to stimulate your body's internal healing mechanisms, it can help alleviate various types of conditions and promote general wellness. Some of the most common conditions treated are:

• Pain & Painful Conditions

• Sports Injuries

• GI Issues (Acid reflux, Constipation, IBS, Crohn’s Disease)

• Pregnancy (Breech Position, Hemorrhoids, Morning Sickness, Postpartum Depression, Milk Production) 

• Women’s Health (Dysmenorrhea, PMS, Heavy Periods, Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, Menopausal Symptoms) 

• Infertility 

• Migraines/Headaches 

• Stress Reduction

• Respiratory Issues (Asthma, Chronic Throat Clearing, Frequent Colds)

• Sciatica

• Depression/Grief

• Anxiety

• Addictions

• Hypertension

• Bell’s Palsy

• Trigeminal Neuralgia

• TMJ

• Cosmetic Acupuncture

• And many more. . . 

Does acupuncture hurt?

No, acupuncture does not hurt. Occasionally, there will be a slight pinch where the needle is inserted almost like a mosquito bite. The size of an acupuncture needle is about the thickness as a strand of hair. Patients will often say that they did not even feel the needle being inserted.  Once the needle is in you may feel a heavy sensation, dull ache or slight tingle where the needle has been inserted but this will often dissipate almost instantly. Many patients will feel a deep relaxation and calmness once the needles are inserted and  many people often fall asleep while the needles are in. 

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Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is very safe and has no side effects. It is safe for the elderly, pregnant women, children and those on medications. 

How many visits will I need?

Since acupuncture promotes your bodys own ability to heal itself every patient will respond differently to acupuncture. Some symptoms will resolve after the first treatment while others may take 4-10 treatments. Acupuncture has an accumulative effect on your body with each treatment building on the next. The length of your condition, severity and current condition all plays a role in how many treatments may be necessary for your condition. 

Do you reuse acupuncture needles?

No, only sterile single use disposable needles are used. 

Do you treat people who have a fear of needles?

Yes, many people have a fear of needles.  If someone has a fear of needles, we will only use a minimal number of needles. However, most people who have a fear of needles often do not have a problem with acupuncture needles due to the small size of the needle.  Cupping, moxa, gua sha or tui na might be utilized instead of acupuncture.
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Do you perform dry needling?

Yes, I perform dry needling. 
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Do you take insurance?

Most insurance companies in PA do not cover acupuncture. We currently do not bill any insurance company (except for the VA) directly for acupuncture. We can provide you with a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company and they can reimburse you directly. 

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Do you accept Medicare?

At this time, we do not accept Medicare and Medicare does not cover Acupuncture.
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Do you accept flex spending cards?

Yes, we accept flex spending cards.
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Do you offer a Student Discount on Acupuncture?

Yes! We are happy to offer a discount to students. Please notify when booking and show your student ID at your appointment. ​​