Frequently Asked Questions - To The Point Acupuncture

FAQs

How do I prepare for my first visit?

For your convenience, we have included our intake forms on our New Patients page for you to print and fill out before your first visit. Please bring your paperwork filled out and any other pertinent information to your condition, such as a list of current medications/supplements, report of findings, BBT charts, etc. If you are not able to fill out your paperwork ahead of time, you will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out the relevant paperwork in our office.

If you are receiving acupuncture, please wear loose fitting clothes so that the acupuncturist can get to specific acupuncture points. We have sheets and towels which can be draped over you if we are unable to reach certain acupuncture points.

Please make sure you have eaten a light meal/snack before your visit and make sure you are well hydrated. Also, please refrain from brushing your tongue (the tongue coating helps in achieving the proper diagnosis).

What should I expect during my first visit?

During your initial acupuncture treatment, a comprehensive intake is done. Past and present medical history, discussion of all the bodily systems, as well as the current condition that brought you to To The Point Acupuncture will be talked about in great detail. Possible palpation of different body parts and physical examination may also be included, if appropriate. Pulse and tongue diagnosis will also be done prior to treatment. All of the information gathered up to this point will be used to determine the Chinese diagnosis of the patient.

At this point, the practitioner will thoroughly discuss what the acupuncture needles look like, feel like, and proper cleaning of the areas on the body before the insertion of the needles.

The sterile, one-time use needles are then inserted into specific acupuncture points along the patient’s body to regain the balance of qi within the meridians. Needles are retained for approximately 45 minutes.

Usually acupuncture is the only form of treatment during an initial visit. In follow up visits other modalities such as Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, and Electro-acupuncture may be incorporated.

How long will my condition take to get better?

Each person is unique and the number of treatments varies. Some will experience results after their first visit, while others will require a longer series of treatment. This depends on the severity and chronic nature of the complaint. Overall, you should expect to see some results within 3-5 visits and should notice overall improvement with your condition after each treatment. Chinese herbs in conjunction with acupuncture will help to decrease the time it takes to see results.

Is Acupuncture painful?

The acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel and are very slender (as thin as a strand of hair). Acupuncture is generally painless. Most people do not even feel the needles going in, or they may feel a very small prick. Following the insertion of the needles you may feel a sensation of mild tingling, slight numbness, ache, radiating warmth, or heaviness-this is the qi moving. Many people find the treatments very relaxing and will sometimes even nap during them. You may feel more energetic in the days following the treatment.

Is Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine safe?

YES! The needles used during acupuncture sessions are sterile one-time use ONLY. All areas on the skin are thoroughly cleaned before the insertion of the needles so there is never any risk of infection or transmission of disease. Acupuncture works with your own body to help heal itself, so it is a preferred method of treatment for children, elderly, those seeking to avoid medication or for those already on numerous medications, as well as pregnant and breast feeding mothers.

When prescribed by a trained herbalist, Chinese herbs are a completely safe, gentle, and effective remedy for many ailments and have very few side effects. Herbs and products offered are of the highest quality from reputable companies. We only prescribe herbs from companies that guarantee quality control and follow current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) regulations, including testing for heavy metals.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not file insurance claims, but we will gladly provide a Superbill which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Payment is due at the time of service. We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards (including Health Savings and FSA cards).

FAQs