Who signs up to get poked by a bunch of needles? Smart people do!! If you’ve done any research, you’ll have read all the stuff: it’s been done for thousands of years, it’s been used to treat more people than any other form of medicine, no one really knows how works, and the World Health Organization recognizes it for treating a number of conditions.
What you really need to know is, will it help my back pain so I can lift my grand-babies? Will it support my energy levels so I can keep training for Ironman? Will it help my shoulder discomfort so I can keep working? Will it help to resolve my migraines so I don’t have to hide in quiet and darkness? Will it help me feel less depressed, anxious and moody?
The good news is – YES!! Many common conditions, including injury and illnesses, can be helped with Acupuncture. Though most know it to help with pain, it is so much more. Choosing Acupuncture means you are choosing to take control of your health and wellness. No one deserves to be in pain all the time or miss out on activities with friends. Everyone wants to feel their best so they can hang out with their tribe, do the activities they love and enjoy what makes life meaningful.
Book your appointment today. We can provide you with the care and tools you need to get you living the fun filled, active life you deserve.
And if you’re an information nerd like me, here’s some brain candy:
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine that allows a properly trained and qualified practitioner to manage many different health concerns. TCM Acupuncture can be used alone or in conjunction with other systems of medicine to help facilitate improvement in health and resolution of symptoms. The goal of TCM Acupuncture treatment is to resolve health issues and to restore and maintain the body’s natural state of wellness. It is a unique system of medicine that utilizes and encourages the body’s innate ability to heal. The documented physiological effects of TCM acupuncture support the observed clinical benefits. Like any form of medicine, it is both a science and an art.
What is TCM acupuncture?
TCM Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine, based on Traditional Chinese Medicine foundations, that has been updated and modernized to reflect the science and research behind it. TCM acupuncture has physiological effects on the immune system, nervous system, and cardiac system to name a few. Insertion of needles at various points on the body causes a response that may include changes in hormone levels, immune cells, neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) and other cellular responses. In short, it can make you feel awesome!!
What should I expect?
When you schedule your first appointment, you will be sent an intake form, with your appointment confirmation, to complete and submit prior to your appointment. During your appointment, we will review your form together and do an appropriate physical exam which may include taking your pulse and looking at your tongue. Based on the findings during your assessment, a treatment plan will be created to address the challenges you are currently experiencing. We will discuss the best treatment options for you and answer any questions you have. Needles are most commonly used to stimulate various points on the body which bring about the changes that promote healing. And take it from a wimp (that’s me!!) acupuncture needles are virtually painless. Some spots will be more sensitive than others, but most you probably won’t even feel. You get to relax and listen to music or sleep for 20-30 minutes on a very comfy treatment table (with a warmer on if you like) and a foot warmer. Then the needles are removed and you’re done!
How many treatments will I need?
The number and frequency of treatments depends on various factors – the severity of the condition being treated, how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms, what your diet and lifestyle are like, and how open you are to making any recommended changes. As a general rule, I tell patients that they should start to notice changes/improvements after 4-6 treatments, and usually feel significant improvements after about 10 treatments. Keep in mind this is only a general guideline. The longer you have had symptoms or have felt unwell, the longer it generally takes to get you back on track.
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
At Breathe Health and Performance, we offer direct billing to a large number of insurance providers. Though most extended health benefits cover acupuncture, we recommend checking with your provider prior to your first treatment, to confirm whether you have coverage. Here are a few questions to ask:
- Will my plan cover acupuncture?
- How many visits per calendar year?
- Do I need a referral?
- Do I have a deductible?
- If yes, has it been met?
How should I prepare?
- Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to tuck and roll. Most treatments are done with clothing on but usually require some adjusting to access commonly used points, such as at the elbows, knees or on the belly.
- Please make sure you have something to eat prior to your treatment and avoid caffeine the day of your treatment, especially if you are coming in for a concern related to pain.
- Do not use recreational drugs or alcohol on the day of your appointment.
- Following your treatment, regular daily activities are fine but doing strenuous workouts or intense activity is not recommended.