What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles at specific points along the energy meridians of the body to generate the movement of Qi which stimulates the healing powers of the body.  In Chinese Medicine, disease is seen as a disruption of the body's energy flow, or Qi; acupuncture targets these energetic blocks through the needling of specific acupuncture points, thus generating Qi and balance.  Acupuncture is one of the five branches of Chinese Medicine, along with Herbology, Tuina, Energetics (Qigong), and Nutrition.  These five branches each harness Qi in their own manner aiming to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit.  Simply put, Qi is energy, and life is the gathering of Qi.  

 

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture has been practiced around the world for well over 2000 years; what is it's lasting power as a healing modality?  We know that acupuncture generates Qi in the body which stimulates the body's healing energy, but what does that mean?  Western or allopathic medicine believes that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, which creates biochemical changes in the body thus stimulating the body's own natural healing abilities to promote physical and mental well being, leading to homeostasis, and internal stability of the body.  Even though modern science cannot fully account for exactly how acupuncture works, current research confirms its efficacy for many conditions.

 

Do Acupuncture Needles Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin and generally produce no pain with insertion; acupuncture needles are about the size of a hair strand, or smaller.  The key to pain-free treatment is to just relax, tensed muscles may make needle insertion somewhat uncomfortable, so just relax.  After your first needle insertion you will be wondering why you were so nervous, you are in good company, many people felt the same way prior to their first visit.

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Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes!  Patients at White Lotus Acupuncture, LLC can be rest assured that they are in good, safe hands.  Our staff has extensive acupuncture and herbal training and is credentialed at both national and state levels.  Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable; needles are never reused.  Acupuncture works well as a stand-along therapy or alongside Western medicine.  Acupuncture is safe for children, adults, and older people, as well as for pregnant women.

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What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?

Each acupuncture session is custom designed for your issues.  Specific acupuncture points are chosen depending on your complaints, medical history, and current physical and mental condition.  Acupuncture treatments may be complemented with other modalities, such as moxibustion or cupping.  Read more about what to expect during your initial session. 

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What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

People experience different sensations once needles are inserted, varying from tingling, dull ache, heaviness and/or radiating sensations.  These are all normal reactions and demonstrate that the Qi is moving within the channels.  Sensations normally alleviate after a few minutes, and people generally experience a deep sense of calm and fall asleep.

 

How Often Do I Need to Come in For Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a cumulative medicine; this means that sessions build upon each other, improving your specific condition with each session.  This is why it is important to maintain regular weekly visits; one session is typically not going to alleviate the ongoing issue that you have had for years.  With acupuncture, consistency is imperative for results, and sometimes you need a little patience.  An average course of acupuncture treatment is 12 to 24 weekly sessions.

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Initially more frequent sessions are suggested, ideally twice per week; these sessions jump start your treatment and healing and are especially effective for patients with chronic issues that have been on-going for some time.  Patients move to weekly sessions once there is some consistent improvement that does not revert between sessions. 

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These treatment frequency strategies are highly recommended, they will improve your condition in a more timely manner.  The overall goal is to decrease the frequency of acupuncture treatment until you reach the maintenance phase of once to twice per month sessions. 

 

How Soon Before I See Results?

As detailed above, frequency and consistency of acupuncture sessions is imperative to achieve optimum results; without regularity, results are slower and less consistent.  Aside from that, the overall length of your treatment depends upon your general health condition and how well you respond to acupuncture.

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Generally, acute conditions recover more quickly, whereas chronic conditions will take longer.  For example, a newly sprained ankle is likely to improve with a shorter course of treatment, opposed to a chronic shoulder issue of many years. Keep in mind that like any medicine, acupuncture takes some time and patience; results vary from person to person.

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Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

Many insurance policies provide acupuncture coverage but insurance policies vary greatly in terms of deductible and percentage of insurance coverage for acupuncture.  Medicare or Medicaid do not cover acupuncture in New Jersey or New York.

 

White Lotus Acupuncture does not accept any health insurance, however we can provide a bill of service which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement per your policy guidelines. Please note that White Lotus Acupuncture cannot and does not guarantee any or all insurance reimbursement.