Things to consider for your appointment:
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Wear loose fitting clothing
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Please don’t come on an empty stomach
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Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your treatment
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Bring a list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking
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Between visits, take note of any changes that may have occurred in your
condition
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture should not hurt, but you should feel it. Most people enjoy treatment and find it very comfortable, restful, and relaxing. Sometimes the needle insertion feels like a quick pinch that rapidly subsides. Some people report a mild tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a dull ache at the acupuncture point, which is a sensation of qi moving. Generally sessions last about an hour, in which the patient rests or even falls asleep. After your treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a heightened sense of well-being.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments a patient needs depends upon the severity and duration of the symptoms. For a cold or flu, one or two treatments can be very helpful. For chronic health, a longer course of treatment is normally required. This will be determined and discussed during your first session.
Does health insurance cover acupuncture?
Some insurance plans offer acupuncture benefits. Family Roots is not contracted with any insurance companies and does not directly submit claims. We will happily provide you with a superbill to submit for reimbursement.
Can children be treated with acupuncture?
Nikole is trained in pediatric acupuncture, and has treated many kids over her years in practice. Children as young as one month can be effectively treated using shonishin, a Japanese technique. Instead of inserting needles, practitioners of shonishin employ light tapping, brushing, or rubbing along entire channels or at specific acupoints. Because children are quite sensitive and have a lot of energy, shonishin can be very effective in balancing children and restoring their natural state of health until they are ready for needles (ages vary depending on the child). Common childhood conditions treated with shoneshin or acupuncture include the following:
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digestive disorders
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asthma
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bedwetting
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constipation
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diarrhea
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eczema
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insomnia
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hyperactivity
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emotional stress
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teething
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sinusitis
What should I look for in a qualified acupuncturist?
Today acupuncturists are trained in accredited graduate programs and are licensed by most states. Some physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists offer treatments known as "medical acupuncture" or "dry needling", a modality based on a much shorter course of study. While an accredited, masters-level program in acupuncture includes more than 3,000 hours of study, programs for physicians or chiropractors offer only about 200 hours in needling techniques and Chinese medicine theory.
In the state of California, Acupuncturists must be California Board certified to practice Chinese Medicine. Acupuncturists who graduate from accredited programs have completed an extensive course of study in Chinese Medicine as well as in Western biomedical approaches to illness. We strongly recommend looking for a practitioner with formal training, national certification, and an active license to practice Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine).