Frequently Asked Questions
Contents
* Acupuncture
* What Conditions can Acupuncture Treat?
* Does Acupuncture Hurt?
* What are the Needles Like?
* What Happens During a Treatment and How Many Treatments do I need?
* What Is Medical Acupuncture?
* Herbal Medicine
* What Conditions Can Herbal Medicine Treat?
* Are there issues with the product safety of Chinese medicinal herbs?
* What is the Difference Between Freshly Boiled Herbal Decoction and Patent Pills?
* Are Endangered Species Used?
* General
* Can I Combine TCM Treatment with Western Medicine?
* Do I Need a Referral from a Physician?
* What is the Cost and is it Covered by Insurance?
* What if I Need to Cancel an Appointment?
What Conditions can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture can be remarkably effective in many conditions. The effectiveness is dependent upon a thorough review of the patient's condition and accurate diagnosis.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
The patient should feel a slight sensation as the needle contacts the Qi. This feeling is known as 'deqi', or getting Qi. Deqi is not unpleasant and the sensation can either be a dull ache, a numbness, a tingling or a sensation of heat. In some instances the sensation travels along the line of the meridian and can affect whole areas of the body or limbs.
What are the needles like?
Acupuncture needles have a coiled handle and an extremely fine shaft with a sharp point. The needles are solid and no substances are injected into the body. Needles come in different lengths and thicknesses according to the area of the body which is to be treated. We only use pre-packed and sterilized disposable needles that are used only once.
What happens during a treatment and how many treatments do I need?
Treatment protocols, frequency and duration are a matter of professional judgement for the practitioner, in consultation with the patient. During a treatment, the practitioner selects appropriate points for their specific actions in relationship to the identified disharmony. The points are then needled and the needles may or may not be subsequently manipulated, either manually, or with a small electrical device, to achieve certain effects. The needles are usually retained in the body for approximately 15 to 30 minutes. A common course of treatment may involve a number of treatments, over an extended period of time, but may be more or less frequent depending on the condition of the disorder.
What is medical acupuncture?
This generally refers to acupuncture performed by MDs, physiotherapists and chiropractors who do not use an Oriental Medicine approach in their diagnosis and treatment. Many Medical Acupuncturists obtained only short-term training in Acupuncture and use it as a tool to complement their regular practices, dealing mainly with pain related disorders.
What conditions can herbal medicine treat?
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Western Botanical Medicine can be both very effective treatments for a number of conditions. Herbology is a powerful method of balancing vital functions, strengthening physical systems and helping you adapt to the stresses in your life. Drawing from Chinese and European traditions of herbology, we offer teas, extracts and patent formula customized to an individual’s needs. Through consultation we determine which herbs are appropriate and safe for you.
Are there issues with the product safety Chinese medicinal herbs?
We are keenly aware of the recent issues concerning Chinese product safety. We order from a small group of well established companies who have a history of providing safe and effective products. One of our main suppliers is Mayway. The following is a company statement regarding product safety. Download PDF
What is the difference between freshly boiled deduction and patent pills?
The most common way in which herbs are used is in the form of a herbal decoction boiled up from dried herbs. The advantage of this method is that the practitioner can choose the kind of herbs and the quantity required by the specific patient. The disadvantage of this is the inconvenience of boiling the herbs everyday and many patients are not used to the smell and taste of the decoction. Patent Pills are ready-made and have the advantage of being easier to use than the dried herbs. The disadvantage of pills is that the patent herbs don't cover every possible condition a patient may have and so they are not suitable in all circumstances.
Are Endangered Species Used?
It is true that certain parts of endangered species such as rhino horn, bear gallbladder, have medicinal effects and have been used in Chinese medicine. Today, substitute materials are almost always used. However, there might be some patent products that still list certain endangered species on their labels. These can be easily spotted and avoided by the consumer.
Can I Combine Oriental MedicineTreatment with Western Medicine?
Many patients undergo Oriental Medicine treatment alongside conventional medication. It is advisable, however, that herbal medicine and conventional medicine be taken at different times of the day. With Oriental Medicine treatment, Western medication can usually be reduced slowly as the patient's health improves, in consultation with both the patient's conventional doctor and Oriental Medicine practitioner.
Do I Need a Referral from a Physician?
No. As of January 2007, with the passage of PA House Bill 1235, physician referral is no longer needed for Acupuncture treatment. The benefit of this change is that patients no longer have to wait for care until they can get through the process of getting a referral.
What is the Cost and is it Covered by Insurance?
Your health insurance policy may cover some of our services. We provide Superbill receipts for you to submit to your insurance company. Fees are to be paid at the time of service. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards as well as personal checks.
What if I Need to Cancel an Appointment?
We request 24 hours notice for change or cancellation of your appointment. A $30 fee will be charged for appointments less than 24 hours notice of cancellation.
