Acupuncture FAQs
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How Does Acupuncture Work? The origins of East Asian Medicine are over 1,000 years old, and it has been practiced for centuries. The modern medical world has been researching the effects of acupuncture and herbal medicine since the mid-20th century. It has been discovered that acupuncture has an effect on the hypothalamus, which regulates the endocrine system and hormones. It has been shown to activate the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, which induces the relaxation response and reduces the effects of stress on our bodies. It stimulates endorphin and serotonin production, which affect pain perception and mood. Many biochemical and signaling pathways have been identified as playing a direct role in how acupuncture achieves its clinical effects, but perhaps the most central pathway that acupuncture uses, one that helps explain how it is effective in such a diverse array of clinical areas, is that acupuncture has been demonstrated to directly initiate a process called purinergic signaling, a primitive and pervasive system in the body using adenosine and ATP for signaling and regulation in all tissues and organ systems. It is now understood that all nerve transmission requires ATP as a co-factor and the that the body uses purine levels as a primary background signal of both healthy function and tissue damage. Studies on mice demonstrate that those that were bred to be unable to bind to adenosine did not have pain relief from acupuncture nor any of the chemical changes associated with acupuncture pain relief, while the normal mice did and this effect was repeated in humans. (https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scientific-evidence/) Studies have also found that acupuncture safely increases blood circulation, decreases inflammation, and enhances the effectiveness of the immune system by increasing the number of T-cells. What Types of Conditions Can Acupuncture Improve? In my 20+ years of practice I have used acupuncture and herbal medicine to help adults and children with allergies, all kinds of pain, digestive issues, insomnia, stress-related conditions, menstrual/menopause symptoms, and as support for cancer treatment. I have had great success enhancing fertility for both women and men. National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following:
at EvidenceBasedAcupuncture.org. What Happens During an Acupuncture Treatment? Many people wonder if acupuncture is painful. In most cases only a slight sensation is felt on insertion of the needles, which are much thinner than a hypodermic needle that is used to give a shot or take blood. A slight tingling may be felt around the needle. Patients often experience a feeling of relaxation and well-being during and after treatment with acupuncture. Other modalities may be used, such as:
May I make an appointment at your office or clinic? I give treatments in my home studio as well as treating close northwest Seattle neighbors in their homes. This model helps me keep overhead low and my rates affordable. (See more information about why I chose this model on the About Robin page.) You are eligible to request an appointment for a treatment at my home or a visit to your home if you have received an invitation email from me or are personally referred to me by someone in my neighborhood or network I am familiar with, and you live within my service area. What can I expect during a home visit? Initial visits last about 90 minutes and return visits last about 60 - 75 minutes. When I come to your home I will bring with me single-use disposable sterile surgical stainless steel needles, alcohol swabs and a sharps container. According to the most appropriate and comfortable environment for you, I will conduct the treatment while you are lying on a recliner, sofa or bed. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily pushed or folded above the elbows and knees without becoming too tight. What if there are small children or pets present? Your treatment is a time for you to completely relax and receive the care you deserve. Children under the age of 8 who are not able to safely play on their own in a nearby room should have another caregiver present. Pets should be kept in another area of your home until we can determine that they won’t jump up on you during your treatment. How many treatments do I need, and how often? The number and frequency of treatments needed depends on the nature, severity and duration of the condition. Many patients experience a certain amount of relief after just one or two treatments. Severe or longstanding conditions can require more persistent care. Robin designs treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. Each treatment builds upon the progress of the previous treatment. It is common to begin with two treatments per week for the first two to six weeks in order to begin to consolidate treatment effects before reducing frequency of treatments. However, your progress will be assessed individually at each treatment and your treatment plan adjusted accordingly. Do You Accept Insurance? I am not in-network with any insurance companies and do not bill insurance, but acupuncture is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Medical Spending Accounts (FSA). I can provide you with the required receipts for your records when using these accounts to pay me or reimburse yourself. I can also provide a superbill receipt for those who have out-of-network acupuncture benefits to submit with their claim for reimbursement. Questions to ask your insurance customer service: 1. Do I have out-of-network acupuncture benefits? 2. If yes, is there a deductible that must first be met? How much and how much of my deductible is left to be met? 3. Are there restrictions on conditions covered? (Pain only, for example.) 4. How many treatments are covered per year, and does this affect my benefits for massage or physical therapy? 5. How do I submit my receipts and claims and what is the time limit to submit them? Are you vaccinated? Do I have to be vaccinated and/or wear a mask? I am vaccinated and boosted for Covid-19. I will wear a mask if you prefer it. You do not have to be vaccinated or wear a mask during your treatment. *As always, if you are having symptoms of any acute, contagious virus, or have been in close contact with someone who tests positive, please inform me and reschedule your appointment.*
QuestionsClick here to e-mail your questions and to find out if Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine can alleviate your condition.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi |
Nondiscrimination Statement
Robin (she/her/hers) does not discriminate on any basis, including sex, gender identity, race, religion, color, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, age, any medical condition or diagnosis, handicap, disability or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements of local, state, and/or federal law as well as her belief in the intrinsic equality of all humankind. |
