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Acupuncture FAQ + Forms

About Acupuncture

Originally developed in China thousands of years ago, acupuncture is a comprehensive medical system that is used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness. Through the insertion of hair-thin needles, acupuncture stimulates specific points on the surface of the body in order to balance the body’s vital energy.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is a safe, natural, effective healthcare system. Acupuncture treatments are drug-free so there is no risk of drug interactions or dependencies.

Acupuncture needles are almost hair-thin and have a solid core. They are sterile and disposable, so there is no risk of infection. A needle is used only once, then it is disposed.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture directs, regulates and balances Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is the vital energy that flows through the body. By restoring the balance of Qi, acupuncture treats pain and disease, and also promotes general wellness.

Qi flows through the body in pathways called Meridians. There are twelve regular Meridians which are generally named for major organs. The Meridians are somewhat related to the physical organs, however, they specifically relate to the Chinese “energetic” functions. Meridian pathways connect internal organs and the surface of the body, as well as muscles, bones, joints, etc. Acupuncture points are access portals along the Meridians or pathways.

When Qi flows freely and in the correct proportions through the Meridians, the body is in harmony and the person is healthy and balanced.

When the flow of Qi is blocked, deficient or in excess, the harmony of the body is disrupted and pain or disease results. There is a Chinese saying, “If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is no free flow, there is pain.”

The goal of acupuncture is to restore the free flow of Qi, balance and health to the body by stimulating specific points along the Meridians.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have approved acupuncture for more than 40 medical and psychological conditions.

Some of them include:

  • acute and chronic pain
  • digestive disorders
  • depression and anxiety
  • gynecological conditions
  • allergies, sinusitis, & asthma
  • headaches and migraines
  • fibromyalgia
  • CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome)
  • chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
  • PMS
  • trigeminal neuralgia, Bell’s palsy
  • arthritis
  • colds and influenza
  • post-stroke paresis
  • urinary difficulties
  • addictions
  • infertility
  • insomnia
Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture is virtually painless. In some cases you may not feel the needles. In other cases you might feel a small pinch when the needle is inserted. Once the needle is in, sometimes you might feel sensations like tingling, warmth, heaviness, or numbness. These feelings are the sensation of Qi as it moves in the body, and are completely normal. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing, both during and after the treatment. Many people fall asleep during the treatment.

Your Acupuncture Visit

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we now accept insurance: please call us to determine your insurance benefits.

How much does a session cost?

Session fees depend on a few different factors. Please contact us for pricing.

How long is a private session and what does it include?

Initial private session typically last between 75 to 90 minutes. Follow-up sessions range from 45 minutes to 60 minutes. Private sessions include cupping, moxibustion, aromatherapy, electrical-stimulation of points, gua sha, etc.

What are your COVID-19 protocols?

In accordance with guidelines set by the State of New Jersey, we have reopened and are currently offering private acupuncture sessions by appointment only. We are following CDC recommendations by spacing appointments appropriately, requiring the use of masks by all patients and personnel and disinfecting surfaces regularly. We are not able to accomodate walk-ins at this time.

What is the difference between community acupuncture and a private session?

PLEASE NOTE, BECAUSE OF COVID-19, WE ARE NOT OFFERING COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE AT THIS TIME.

You have a choice of private sessions &/or affordable community acupuncture sessions. In Asia, most acupuncture occurs in a community setting rather than in individual rooms. During community hours, we primarily treat patients using very comfortable, zero-gravity recliners, clustered in groups in a quiet, soothing space. Treating patients in a community setting has many benefits: for one, patients can receive high quality treatments at affordable rates. Research in the United States (as well as thousands of years of use in Asia) has shown that acupuncture is most effective when it is done frequently and regularly—at least once a week is usually the minimum required to make progress on any kind of health problem. This might be considered prohibitively expensive for many patients when considering the cost of private treatments. Another benefit is that it’s easy for friends and family members to come in for treatments together. As a result, a collective healing energy is established which can make treatments more powerful.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with sleeves or pant legs that can be rolled up.

What should I expect during my first treatment?

Acupuncture sessions begin with a comprehensive interview and physical examination. During the first visit you will be asked about your medical history as well as your current health condition. The interview process is shorter during follow up visits, focusing on changes since the previous treatment and on any feedback regarding the last treatment. After the assessment, the acupuncture treatment will begin. Usually between 6 and 20 needles are used at a time. The needles are left in for up to 40 minutes, during which time patients relax or nap.

It is best to come to each treatment neither hungry nor overly full, and not under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs or opiates. It is also preferable to avoid vigorous exercise after treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the nature of your complaint, as well as its severity and duration. You might need only a few treatments for an acute condition. Chronic problems may take a series of treatments to resolve. Some conditions might require longer term maintenance care. To speed recovery you might be treated a few times a week at first, and then taper off treatments to every other week or once a month. You may also be given dietary, lifestyle and exercise recommendations.