FAQs
A top priority at Immortal Medicine is for all patients to feel comfortable and to understand as clearly as possible what to expect as a new patient of acupuncture and herbal medicine. The following FAQs are based on the most common questions that new patients ask. Please take a moment to read this before your first appointment:
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by directly accessing the body’s nervous system through points organized along channel pathways called “meridians.” The meridians connect the visceral organs to sensory organs, such as the lungs to the nose, and this way can relieve allergies, ringing in the ears and visual obstructions. The primary acupuncture points are located in areas of heightened electric potential and therein stimulate the body’s healing cells to gather and focus their action on the needled site. Additionally, needle manipulation stimulates the release of the hormone adenosine, which may be responsible for some of the local pain relief that patients experience.
Does acupuncture hurt?
I practice a style of gentle Japanese acupuncture that stimulates the points without causing pain. If you experience any discomfort, please tell me and I will adjust the needle location and angle to be the perfect fit. I highly value your feedback and respect the knowing you have of your body’s needs.
Is acupuncture safe?
I use single-use, sterile disposable needles that are never inserted over sensitive anatomical structures to ensure your complete physical safety. All medical surfaces are routinely disinfected between patients to prevent pathogen transference. The clinic space is safe for all emotional expressions and is inclusive of all genders, sexualities, races, nationalities and religious beliefs.
How many treatments will I need to experience a change in my condition?
The duration of treatment is mostly contingent upon the severity of the condition and the length of time the patient has had this condition up until their first visit to the clinic. For example, an acute low back strain may resolve in 2-3 treatments, provided that no significant structural damage has occurred. On the other hand, a chronic case of irritable bowel syndrome that has persisted for 15 years may require weekly treatments for several months before the body’s pattern of dysfunction has been completely rewired.
How many times per week or month should I get a treatment to receive maximum benefit?
This depends mainly upon the condition being treated. In general, it is wise to start with 2-3 treatments per week to work as “braces” that retrain the body to operate at a higher level of function.
For chronic insomnia, 2 -3 treatments per week are advised in the beginning to regulate the sleep before the patient can ease back to 1 treatment per week and ultimately 1-2 treatments per month for maintenance.
In the case of recent injuries, 2-3 treatments per week plus topical and internal herbal medicine will help the patient move through the early recovery stages with less pain, less swelling and greater ease of joint function.
In all cases, the addition of regular herbal medicine can support and strengthen the acupuncture treatment, allowing patients to experience symptom relief between acupuncture appointments.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance? How about herbal medicine?
Yes, more and more insurance companies are now offering plans that cover acupuncture treatments for low co-pays on a limited or unlimited yearly basis. Supplemental modalities such as cupping, moxibustion and e-stim are also covered by many insurance plans. Please contact your insurance provider to determine if your current plan will cover you and for how many times in a yearly period.
Herbal Medicine is currently not covered by insurance providers at this time. Stay tuned for further legislative updates.
I am not in network with any insurance companies however I am happy to provide you with a digital (.pdf) superbill for reimbursement.