What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as primary healthcare in the East.  It has recently been gaining popularity in the U.S., and in 1997 the National Institute of Health (NIH) released the results of a study that states that acupuncture is effective in treating a number of disorders including, but not limited to:

  • Asthma
  • Acute, Chronic, and Postoperative Pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Headache
  • Low Back Pain
  • Preventative Medicine
  • Sports Injury
  • Stroke Rehabilitation
  • Women’s Health Issues, including Infertility, Menopause, Menstrual Pain and Irregularity, and PMS/PMDD

Does acupuncture hurt?  What does it feel like?

Most people do not find acupuncture to be painful.  The needles are incredibly thin (about the width of a hair), and a fast and skillful insertion allows them to quickly pass the body’s pain receptors, which lie atop the surface of the skin.  Once inserted, you may feel a slight dullness or heaviness when the needle has been placed.  This is a desirable sensation, and means your body’s energy has been activated.

Is acupuncture safe?

Definitely!  The needles are 100% sterile & are only used once – on you & only you.  After removal, they are disposed of in a SHARPS container, never to be seen again.

How does acupuncture/Chinese Medicine work?  What is the theory?

Chinese Medicine is based on the theory that energy & fluids flow in a continuous circuit throughout the body.  In an optimal state of health, the energy & fluids flow unimpeded, nourishing & enlivening every area of the body.  Unfortunately, many factors (stress, poor eating, lack of exercise, emotional upheaval, etc.) can block this flow – leading to pain or internal dis-ease.  There is an ancient Chinese saying:   ”If there is pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow, there is no pain.”  The acupuncture needles are inserted into the body to free the flow.  The image that I always think of is Christmas lights: if one bulb is out, the whole strand is broken.  But when you replace that bulb, the whole strand lights up once again.  The flow has been freed!

How many treatments will I need?  How often?

This question does not have one answer.  Different problems require different numbers of treatments.  An acute condition will generally require fewer treatments than a long-standing, chronic issue.  It is best to treat pain (especially acute pain) a few times a week for optimal results.  Chronic, internal conditions may require weekly treatments.  Furthermore, since everybody (every body) is unique, each person responds to acupuncture differently.  On our first meeting, we will discuss your case & I will give you a prognosis in terms of both number & frequency of treatments.  Then we will work together to come up with a plan that is doable for you.

Does insurance cover acupuncture treatments?

Some insurance plans do cover acupuncture.  Be sure to check with your insurance company regarding your policy’s coverage.  While I currently do not accept insurance, I will be happy to give you an itemized receipt with the appropriate codes for you to submit to your insurance company.  Please note that payment is due at the time of service.

If you have any questions that are not addressed here, please email Liz@Acupuncture-in-Asheville.com or call (828) 333-4614.