General FAQs
As acupuncture is part of a whole and logical medical system, there is almost always an approach for an acupuncturist to take for helping to manage a health problem - or even better, help you to remain pain and illness free.
In 1979, the World Health Organization published a short list of conditions seen as appropriate for treatment with acupuncture. This is not a complete list of conditions appropriate for treatment, but just some examples.
The list includes:
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How much does an acupuncture treatment hurt?Usually not much at all. Most people are deeply relaxed and/or asleep once all points are placed.
What's the difference between a visit to a typical acupuncture practice and a community acupuncture practice?
Most acupuncture treatments in the United States take place on a table in a room by oneself. This is not traditional in Asia, where acupuncture usually occurs in a community setting. We all know the value of 'power in numbers', right? Would you prefer to eat in an empty restaurant, or one that is full of people and bustling? Or how about an empty movie theater? Us too!
A healthy group setting creates a dynamic that can be used for all of our benefit in an acupuncture clinic. Receiving treatment in a community setting has other tangible benefits, as well: it’s easier for friends and family members to come in for treatment together and many patients find it a relief to not be isolated during their treatment.
Our Community acupuncture clinics also use recliners rather than treatment tables, which many patients find more relaxing.
In addition, the community setting gives patients some flexibility in deciding how long the needles remain in, since the 'right' amount of time can vary from person to person, visit to visit. This can take anywhere from twenty minutes to one hour. If you want to be finished at a specific time, ask your acupuncturist. We’ll make sure you are out on time!
Lastly, our clinic employs a sliding scale fee schedule to help make acupuncture available to the whole community.
What happens during an initial visit?
You'll need to fill out forms which can take a few minutes to finish, so please come 15 minutes early to complete them. Or, you can dowload these forms and have them filled out as best you can for your visit ahead of time. This helps support us, since it reduces the amount of paper shuffling on our end. The forms are in PDF format.
There is a $10 one-time consultation fee due at your first visit.
After paperwork is done, you'll then consult with your acupuncturist to discuss your health concern(s) after which time a treatment plan will be recommended for you. Your acupuncture treatment comes next.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. You'll just have to roll your sleeves and pant legs up, in order to get ready for your treatment, as we use styles of acupuncture which allows us to select points primarily on the arms and legs. We will also ask you to remove your socks and shoes.
From here on out, your job is to kick back and enjoy a good rest.
What happens during a typical follow-up treatment?
After paying for the visit and scheduling future visits (if needed) our patients will bring themselves into the treatment room on their own and make themselves comfortable in a recliner of their choice. After a brief conversation in whispers between patient and practitioner, pulses are taken, and we look at your tongue. Depending on a variety of factors, a specific point prescription is selected. Typically after this time people feel very sleepy and will nap or rest for a while.
How does it work/what is it really doing?
This is the million dollar question. The answer is - there is most likely no one answer. Whether seen as a result of particular chemical/hormonal processes, movement of bio-electricity, vascular excitement, regulation of the central nervous system, connective tissue communication, 'placebo' effect, positive thinking or the manifestation of qi (energy), acupuncture works.
What can I expect after a treatment?
In general, you can expect to feel relaxed for several hours following an acupuncture treatment. Reactions specific to particular injuries or health concerns should be addressed by the acupuncturist on an individual basis.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We currently accept cash or check.
We do not accept insurance coverage, but would be happy to offer a receipt for your visit so you may submit it directly.
Do keep in mind the cost of an acupuncture treatment here at RCA can be substantially less than a discounted rate on a typically-priced acupuncture visit - or even a typical insurance co-pay.
Note: If you have more questions about acupuncture please click here.
