Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body to move qi, increase blood flow, decrease inflammation and reset the central nervous system. It can be used to treat muscle tension/pain and internal pathologies such as a cold, nausea, dizziness, migraines and anxiety. The foundation of acupuncture is to restore balance and by doing so, alleviate the conditions that are manifest as an imbalance in our bodies.
Do I need to have a specific health concern to receive acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be used as preventative medicine, to optimize athletic performance, to reduce stress, or boost your immune system to prevent future illness. There are no limits to what you can address with acupuncture. My patients find themselves wanting help with a specific concern, but soon realize there are multiple factors causing imbalances in the body. Simply addressing stress can have significant impacts on your health.
How often should I receive treatments?
Frequency of treatment is dependent on the nature of your health concern. In general, acute conditions respond more favorably to acupuncture and sometimes two to three treatments can address the problem. Chronic problems require a longer course of treatment since they emerged over a longer period of time and may affect multiple areas of the body.
What does it feel like?
Acupuncture is generally painless, but different sensations can be felt. Common experiences include a feeling of warmth, lightness, slight heaviness, or an achy feeling depending on the point. Patients often become deeply relaxed on the table and fall asleep during the treatment.
Will insurance cover the cost?
A number of health insurance plans in California cover acupuncture, including Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare. However, all plans are different. More.