Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe, and in its long history there have been exceptionally few problems. Historically, needles were re-used and there were issues regarding sanitation. Today, needles are sealed in sterile packets before they are used. Unlike syringes, they are solid and extremely thin needles that don’t put anything into your body. The acupuncturist will open a sealed pack and use a brand new needle each time. When the treatment is finished, the acupuncturist will take the needles out and carefully drop them in a sealed medical waste container. Acupuncture is safe and the equipment used is sterile and used only once.
Acupuncture is extremely safe, and in its long history there have been exceptionally few problems. Historically, needles were re-used and there were issues regarding sanitation. Today, needles are sealed in sterile packets before they are used. Unlike syringes, they are solid and extremely thin needles that don’t put anything into your body. The acupuncturist will open a sealed pack and use a brand new needle each time. When the treatment is finished, the acupuncturist will take the needles out and carefully drop them in a sealed medical waste container. Acupuncture is safe and the equipment used is sterile and used only once.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Upon insertion, you may feel a small pinch as the needle, which is as thin as a few strands of hair, enters through the skin. Then as it contacts the energy of the point, you may feel a slight tingling or even a momentary surge of energy – which reflects that the point has been fully engaged. This sensation is only fleeting, and generally people relax into a euphoric or dream-like state as the energy that the needles are tapping into begins to flow more smoothly, revitalizing the meridians.
Upon insertion, you may feel a small pinch as the needle, which is as thin as a few strands of hair, enters through the skin. Then as it contacts the energy of the point, you may feel a slight tingling or even a momentary surge of energy – which reflects that the point has been fully engaged. This sensation is only fleeting, and generally people relax into a euphoric or dream-like state as the energy that the needles are tapping into begins to flow more smoothly, revitalizing the meridians.
How often will I need to come?
The amount of frequency depends on a number of factors. At the beginning, several of the treatments are “cleansing” and are exponentially more effective if you come weekly. Sarah recommends that you commit to coming weekly for at least six sessions. In that amount of time she would expect to see significant improvement in your symptoms. Thereafter, sessions can be spread apart to every 2-3 weeks, monthly, and eventually you would only come in for seasonal treatments or whenever something comes up that you want more support with. If you have a symptom that has been chronic, it may take longer to resolve than something that just happened recently; but the only way to know is to come in and experience for yourself how your mind, body and spirit embraces the ancient healing power of acupuncture.
The amount of frequency depends on a number of factors. At the beginning, several of the treatments are “cleansing” and are exponentially more effective if you come weekly. Sarah recommends that you commit to coming weekly for at least six sessions. In that amount of time she would expect to see significant improvement in your symptoms. Thereafter, sessions can be spread apart to every 2-3 weeks, monthly, and eventually you would only come in for seasonal treatments or whenever something comes up that you want more support with. If you have a symptom that has been chronic, it may take longer to resolve than something that just happened recently; but the only way to know is to come in and experience for yourself how your mind, body and spirit embraces the ancient healing power of acupuncture.
Does acupuncture only involve needles?
Sometimes an acupuncturist will use an herb called moxa (Artemisia vulgaris) that has many restorative properties. A small cone of moxa is placed on certain acupuncture points on your body to warm the area. When you feel the comforting warmth of the moxa, the acupuncturist will remove it. Once the area has been warmed in this way, the acupuncturist will then serenely insert the needle. The founder of the style of acupuncture that Sarah practices, JR Worsley, likened the use of moxa to“lighting the fire before the guests arrive.”
Sometimes an acupuncturist will use an herb called moxa (Artemisia vulgaris) that has many restorative properties. A small cone of moxa is placed on certain acupuncture points on your body to warm the area. When you feel the comforting warmth of the moxa, the acupuncturist will remove it. Once the area has been warmed in this way, the acupuncturist will then serenely insert the needle. The founder of the style of acupuncture that Sarah practices, JR Worsley, likened the use of moxa to“lighting the fire before the guests arrive.”
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies will cover acupuncture treatments, so check with your provider. If you would like, a properly coded receipt can be given to you to submit to your insurance company. Sarah does not have a partnership with any providers, so you will need to pay for each visit and submit the paperwork to your provider for reimbursement.
Many insurance companies will cover acupuncture treatments, so check with your provider. If you would like, a properly coded receipt can be given to you to submit to your insurance company. Sarah does not have a partnership with any providers, so you will need to pay for each visit and submit the paperwork to your provider for reimbursement.
