Integrative Family Medicine & Medical Acupuncture
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Acupuncture - Questions Answered
Thank you for your interest and questions about acupuncture. Please click on the topics below to expand their answers. If you have an inquiry that you do not see listed, please do not hesitate to contact me via the information listed on my contact page.-
What is acupuncture?
- Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that originated in China thousands of years ago. It involves the placement of small needles through the skin at defined locations that induce a change in the body’s natural healing and pain relief mechanisms.
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What is medical acupuncture?
- Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a physician trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.
Medical acupuncture treatments often involve the use of small electrical stimulation devices that induce a small current between needles. This creates a light tingling, or tapping sensation. The strength of the stimulation is adjusted to the patient’s comfort.
- Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a physician trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.
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How does acupuncture work?
- The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
- The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.
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What can acupuncture be used for?
- Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three
areas of health care:
- promotion of health and well-being
- prevention of illness
- treatment of various medical conditions
- Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
- Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
- Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck pain, back pain, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis.
- Urinary,
menstrual, and reproductive problems
She also does not contract with any insurance companies, so it is clear that she is working in her patient's best interest, not for hidden corporate agendas that may directly conflict with her patient's care.
- Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three
areas of health care:
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How many treatments are required?
- The number of treatments is different from person to person. In general, the longer a condition has been present and the more complex a patient's medical condition, the longer the course of treatment will need to be.
Patient visits are usually scheduled once a week, although two or three visits per week may be necessary. Visits may be scheduled every two or three weeks as patient conditions improve. Patients with chronic pain typically require maintenance treatments at four, six or eight-week intervals, depending on their response to treatment.
- The number of treatments is different from person to person. In general, the longer a condition has been present and the more complex a patient's medical condition, the longer the course of treatment will need to be.
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Are there any side effects?
- Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Often the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
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Does acupuncture hurt?
- People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cuttingedges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
Because I use disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.
- People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cuttingedges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
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Do I need to be a member of the practice to recieve acupuncture?
- No. Acupuncture treatments can be done on a consultation basis, without paying the annual membership fee. In this case, you would need to have another doctor coordinating your primary care. Dr. Davis will be happy to provide treatment correspondence with other practitioners upon request.
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Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
- Medicare does not cover acupuncture. Other insurances may have partial coverage. It is your responsibility to check with your specific insurance plan to determine your benefits.
Dr. Davis does not directly contract with insurance companies. If your insurance company does reimburse for acupuncture, Dr. Davis can give you the necessary paperwork to submit.
- Medicare does not cover acupuncture. Other insurances may have partial coverage. It is your responsibility to check with your specific insurance plan to determine your benefits.
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How much does it cost?
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Initial Consultation (60 minutes)- Members $120
- Non-members $150
- Members $60
- Non-members $75
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Jessica Davis MD
PO Box 173, 781 Hudson Avenue, Stillwater, NY 12170phone: 877.664.6116
email: DrJess@jessicadavismd.com
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