CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP ME?

Yes, in the vast majority of cases! While many people first try acupuncture for a specific problem ("I've tried everything else!"), it is the most effective when it becomes part of your overall long-range health program. Initially, acupuncture allows your body to get back into balance and symptoms to lessen or disappear completely. Then, regularly scheduled "seasonal" tratments will help to keep you in the best of health along with your other healthy lifestyle choices.

Patients report successful outcomes from a wide variety of disorders ranging from allergies to pain relief. Often, acupuncture treatments are recommended as adjunct therapy to boost your immune system, alleviate side effects and increase the efficacy of other prescribed medical treatments such as for cancer therapy, infertility procedures, depression and hypertension. Many people report that acupuncture has helped to slow the progression of disorders such as Parkinson's and MS. Most important, acupuncture will help you to be more "alive and awake" as you experience life's challenges with renewed vitality and joy.

Additionally, the World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture’s ability to treat over 43 common disorders including:

GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Food allergies
Peptic ulcers
Chronic diarrhea
IBS
Constipation
Indigestion
Gastritis
Anorexia and other eating disorders

UROGENITAL DISORDERS
Stress Incontinence
Urinary Tract Infections
Sexual Dysfunction

GYNECOLOGICAL DISORDERS
Infertility
Menstrual difficulties
PMS
Menopausal symptoms

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
Bronchitis
Emphysema
Sinusitis
Asthma
Allergies

DISORDERS OF THE BONES, MUSCLES, JOINTS, AND NERVOUS SYSTEM
Arthritis
Migraine headaches
Neuralgia
Insomnia
Dizziness
Low back, neck and shoulder pain

CIRCULATORY DISORDERS
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Angina pectoris
Arteriosclerosis
Anemia

EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
Depression
Anxiety

ADDICTIONS
Alcohol
Nicotine
Legal or illegal drugs

RELIEF MAY ALSO BE FOUND WITH
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue
Stress
Attention Deficit Disorders
Sports Injuries
Sleeping Disorders
Cancer recovery
Hearing and vision concerns
Grief and loss
Diabetes

WHAT ABOUT THOSE NEEDLES?

Acupuncture needles are really tiny pins slightly thicker than a human hair and bear no resemblance to a hypodermic needle such as your doctor may use.

In my practice, I use the finest quality stainless steel, disposable Japanese needles for pain-free acupuncture. They range from tiny 1/4" interdermals to 1-1/2" long ones and are usually shallowly inserted into specific points just below the skin‘s surface. While some people experience a tingling sensation or a momentary dull ache upon insertion, many people feel nothing at all. After insertion, they may be removed immediately or left in for about 20 minutes while you rest.

Often, treatments require only two or three needles and induce a deep state of relaxation or sleep.

For children or other extra-sensitive people, as well as to supplement your regular treatments, I often incorporate methods other than needles, such as acupressure, cupping, gua sha, heating the points with herbs called "moxa", or by using very mild electrical stimulation on the points.

WHAT ABOUT MY DOCTOR?

Acupuncture is a specific therapy with its own rewards and limitations. Acupuncture practitioners cooperate with other health providers, and I do not recommend altering medications or other therapies without consulting your personal physician or provider. As you begin acupuncture treatment, you should continue any prescriptive medicine exactly as prescribed. With ongoing treatments, acupuncture often helps your medication to work more efficiently while decreasing unpleasant side effects as may occur during radiation or chemotherapy. Therefore, your physician may be able to lower your dosages in the future, saving you both money and unnecessary side effects.

Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health’s 1997 Consensus Panel Statement on Acupuncture:

One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidences of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same condition.

If you are experiencing side effects from your current medication, no longer getting the relief expected, are unable to take medication due to other medical conditions or would like to stop altogether, ask your doctor if acupuncture could be of benefit to you. While I receive many referrals from western medical doctors and other practitioners and many are in fact patients themselves, some are not as familiar with it. With your permission, I will be happy to discuss your case with your doctor to see how we can work together for your health. However, you do not need a referral to seek treatment. Now is the time for you to take charge of your health.

HOW MUCH DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT COST?

Your first regular appointment costs $155 and includes a comprehensive examination, review of personal health history, diagnosis and treatment. Subsequent appointments are $80.

I offer a senior citizen and student discount as well as a sliding fee scale if needed. Additionally, I offer a 10% discount for 10 treatment advance payment packages for regular acupuncture.

Special treatment packages for smoking cessation and other addiction treatments as well as facial rejuvenation are also available and will be discussed with you at the time of consultation.

The majority of Americans today have experienced alternative health care including acupuncture. When compared to the rising costs of conventional treatments, it continues to be a bargain.

Acupuncture continues to be selective, affordable, personal health care that can make all the difference in the way you live.

Payment can be made by cash, check, VISA or MasterCard.

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?

While I do not accept insurance payments directly, you will be provided with a receipt which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance administrator regarding reimbursement for acupuncture treatments. I may or may not participate in your insurance company’s discount program — please check with me.

I do accept Workman’s Compensation claims and will accept payment directly from that agency.