WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT? CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP WITH ANXIETY?
As a complete system of medicine, acupuncture can treat aches as pains, as well as complex internal medical issues. The list of conditions treated is long and varied, and not limited to what is listed here.
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Pain management- headaches/migraine, neck and back pain, knee pain, dental pain, neuralgia, carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, sciatica, trigger finger
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Mental heath-depression, anxiety, stress management, grief/sadness
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Digestion issues-IBS, IBD, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, contraption/diarrhea, ulcers, GERD, sluggish digestion with bloating
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Respiratory issues- allergies, COPD, colds, flu, asthma, bronchitis
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Circulatory- hypertension and hypotension
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Women's Health- fertility, male fertility, PMS, menstrual irregularities, painful cramps, menopause, pregnancy, morning sickness, heavy bleeding
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Withdrawal from addictions- cigarette smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse
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Chemo/radiation side effects- nausea/vomiting, mouth sores, insomnia, fatigue
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY FIRST TREATMENT?
Expect your first treatment to take about 60-75 minutes. After a thorough exam of your health history, I will take your pulses and look at your tongue to complete the intake process. Needles are then gently placed and the patient rests for about 20-30 minutes. Most people report the experience as very relaxing.
Be sure to have a light meal or snack before you arrive for your appointment. Please wear loose comfortable clothing to allow access to your arms and legs.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Acupuncture is a form of therapy, and like any therapy (i.e. physical therapy, psychotherapy) best results are achieved through a series of sessions. How many sessions is determined by the acupuncturist as they consider factors such as the severity of the illness, the duration of the illness, the constitution of the patient, the desired goal of treatment, and how well the patient responds to acupuncture. Generally speaking, you can plan on seeing your acupuncturist anywhere from 2-15 times in the initial treatment stage.
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY INSURANCE AND HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Katherine is currently an out of network provider for all insurance carriers. However, most other insurance carriers allow for out-of-network acupuncture benefits. As Katherine is a fee-for-service office, all patients pay with cash or credit card at the time of service. The initial visit will be subject to full payment up front.
Please call for prices and availability.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Unlike a large hypodermic needle, acupuncture needles are about one tenth the size of a conventional syringe. That means it is about the size of two hairs. This small pin can produce the sensation of a dull ache when inserted into an acupuncture point, but these sensations are rarely described as painful. As an acupuncturist, I use a gentle technique and needle the way I would want to be needled, gently but effectively. Additionally, the only needles used are sterilized single-use disposable needles, per California state law.