What can Chinese herbal medicine treat?

Chinese herbal medicine truly shines as an internal medicine. Any pattern imbalances that would be considered in the realm of “internal medicine” will be best treated with Chinese herbal medicine. This includes (but is certainly not limited to) pattern imbalances that create gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory difficulties, gynecological irregularities, mental/emotional struggles, joint and muscle discomfort, sensory issues, sleep issues, and fatigue.

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture truly shines with musculoskeletal and nervous system issues, as well as with mental health and stress reduction. It can be very helpful pre- and post-op for pain reduction, improving the healing process, and minimizing the effects of scar tissue. Also, in some situations, if a patient is told that (non-emergency) surgery is the only option for their issue, it might be beneficial to try acupuncture before agreeing to go under the knife. Most any acute injury (ankle sprains, stiff neck, auto accident pains, etc) will be best addressed with acupuncture, and as soon as possible.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people describe acupuncture as being virtually painless or experiencing minimal discomfort. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin, much finer than those used for injections or blood tests. When inserted properly by a trained practitioner, the needles typically produce only a slight sensation, such as a tingling, dull ache, or a feeling of pressure.

Some people may feel a brief moment of discomfort or a mild prickling sensation as the needle is inserted, but this sensation usually subsides quickly. Once the needles are in place, many individuals report feeling relaxed or even energized during the treatment.

It's important to communicate openly with your acupuncturist about any discomfort or concerns you may have during treatment so they can take steps to ensure your comfort and adjust the treatment as needed to minimize any sensations that you find unpleasant.

How should I dress for an acupuncture treatment?

Loose fitting clothing that allows for skin exposure from the knees down to the feet and from the elbows down to the hands is best. In some cases, the acupuncturist will need to have access to the abdomen or the back. In these cases, the shirt can be lifted to expose the area needed. If the patient needs to disrobe for treatment, a cover will be provided and appropriate draping will be used to ensure the patient’s comfort.

Do you take insurance?

The Embodied Acupuncture & Wellness clinic does not take insurance and currently has no plans to do so. Often patients have no problems using an HSA or FSA to pay for acupuncture treatment. In some instances, patients may also be able to pay for the Chinese herbal medicine program with their HSA or FSA. If your insurance does pay for acupuncture treatments, the clinic will provide you with a super bill that you can then file with your insurance company. Insurance companies do not pay for Chinese herbal medicine.

How much does it cost?

The financial investment that you will be asked to make toward real solutions to your health concerns depends on several factors, including how long you have been dealing with a particular issue, what the best treatment for your presentation is, how quickly your body responds to treatment, and changes made in regard to lifestyle habits (movement, nourishment, stress reduction strategies, sleep protocols, etc).