Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be nervous about acupuncture and what should I expect?
There are many styles and approaches to acupuncture. I pride myself on offering very gentle and usually completely pain-less needle techniques. People who are new to acupuncture or who have had previous uncomfortable experiences with another acupuncturist are always surprised that they barely feel the needles.
Will I have to get undressed?
What you are coming in with and what our treatment approach is determines whether you need to undress. Commonly people stay fully clothed and just take off their socks! You can be assured that you will be comfortable, draped and warm during your session.
What can I expect during an acupuncture treatment?
Treatment may begin with palpation and pulse-taking followed by insertion of needles at various points on your body. The needles I use are surgical-grade and some of the thinnest and finest available. They are most commonly inserted superficially, barely beneath the skin, often in the lower legs and forearms or wrists.
After the needles are placed, you are usually left to rest for 15 to 45 minutes with me checking in occasionally to make sure you are comfortable. People often find acupuncture to be profoundly relaxing, this is in part because the body produces endorphins in response to the treatment. I use a combination of table warmers, heat lamps for the feet, and heating pads during cooler times so that you can fully relax.
After treatment I will discuss with you insights into your condition and make recommendations for you to improve your health between sessions.
What goes into making a diagnosis?
Initially, it is important to understand the context of your complaint in relation to you as a person. This involves taking details of both your medical and life history. My intention is to identify and treat any underlying imbalances, as well as to treat your primary health concerns. As a patient, you may or may not know the underlying imbalances accompanying unwanted symptoms. Pulse diagnosis, examination of the tongue and palpation of abdomen and other areas can provide other useful clues to help fine-tune treatment.
Do you offer reduced rate packages?
As a way of making individual sessions more affordable and accessible, you can receive discounted pricing with the purchase of a package. A package is 10 treatments and can be used by both individuals and their family members. Income verification is not required. There are no refunds for pre-paid discounted session packages.
Students, seniors & those facing hardship can contact me directly to inquire about reduced rate individual sessions.
Do you offer house calls?
Traditional house calls are available in Boulder County for an additional fee. House calls are appropriate either post-surgery or where physical limitations prevent easy access to my office.
How does tele-medicine work?
Long-distance consultations may be requested where I can prescribe customized herbal treatments, nutritional regimens, and lifestyle recommendations over the phone and using email. I have many patients that consult with me from around the country and also for locals, when it’s not convenient to come in for in-person appointments.
Do you accept insurance & accident claims?
At this time, I do not accept insurance or do accident claim cases and do not bill any insurer directly. More and more health insurance companies are covering these services, and if you have a Health Savings Account, my services are usually considered to be eligible expenses to be paid out of those funds. You may want to check with your plan to see what is covered.
What happens if I need to cancel and/or missed an appointment?
Please provide 24-hour notice of cancellation prior to your scheduled appointment. Anything less will be charged for the cost of the missed appointment. The nature of our business requires this time to reschedule someone else in your time slot. If you miss an appointment, all parties suffer: you miss out on treatment, we now have an open block of time, and the person that couldn’t get in during your scheduled time. My policy is intended to respect the time constraints and integrity of all parties. I will always take into consideration unexpected circumstances and those out of your control, such as sickness, inclement weather, and family emergencies and will waive fees.
