Frequenly Asked Questions How does acupuncture work? According to Chinese medical theory, illness or pain arises when the flow of Qi in the meridians is blocked or weakened. Acupuncture works by freeing the blockage of energy flow in the body through stimulation of acupoints with needles, which restores the natural balance of the whole body. Scientific research has found that most points (more than 99%) of the body’s fourteen main meridians are intimately associated with nerves, blood vessels, and lymph systems. The local skin surrounding the acupuncture points has significantly lower electrical resistance and higher electrical voltage. Inserting needles at these points stimulates peripheral sensory receptors. The signals are conducted upward to the brain, leading to the release of various neurotransmitters and endogenous opioid peptides (the body's natural pain-killing substances). As a result, some biochemical and physiological effects occur, including increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain and muscle spasms, relaxation of mental stress, and increased T-cell count. Does acupuncture hurt? There is little to no pain when acupuncture needles are inserted. Acupuncture needles are FDA approved disposable filiform needles. They are 25 to 50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle; several acupuncture needles would fit into a hypodermic needle.  With the manipulation of needles by an experienced acupuncturist, patients may feel mild sensations of distention, cramping, tingling, traveling warmth, or heaviness. These sensations indicate the arrival of Qi. The needles are then retained in the acupoints for 20 to 30 minutes. Most people experience great relaxation and consequently fall asleep for the duration of the treatment. How deep do the needles go? Acupuncture points are located near or on the surface of the skin. Usually, needles are inserted from ¼ inch depth. The depth of insertion depends on the nature of the condition being treated; location of the point in the body; the patient’s size, age, and constitution; and the acupuncturists' style or school of practice. How many treatments will I need? The treatment course varies with each person’s case history, clinical manifestations, and constitution. A consultation with an experienced practitioner about your condition will offer appropriate guide for the length, number, and frequency of treatments. Typical treatments last from 30 to 60 minutes and occur once or twice a week.  Generally, acute problems require less time and frequency of treatment. For example, an acute sprain or whiplash may require only one treatment, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several or several dozen treatments. Generally, positive results occur between the first and fourth treatments. When the optimal responses have been maintained for a period of time, you may schedule your appointments further apart. Many people see their acupuncturist only two to four times a year for a tune up. Are there risks or side effects to acupuncture? While Acupuncture is a safe form of physical medicine, there are some contraindications and risks. The risks, however, are extremely rare! Precautions & Contraindications: 1.)        It is contraindicated to needle the abdomen and lumbosacral areas of pregnant women. 2.)        Acupuncturists must avoid blood vessels to prevent bleeding. 3.)        Acupuncturists must carefully needle points on the chest and back to avoid injury to organs The following risks are possible but very unlikely: 1.        Bruising 2.        Fainting 3.        Muscle spasms 4.        Bleeding 5.        Nerve damage 6.        Punctured lung 7.        Accidental injury to organs (such as the brain, spinal cord, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney) How much does a normal acupuncture treatment cost? The cost of acupuncture treatments varies from practitioner to practitioner. In general, treatments are similar in price to chiropractic treatments. Generally, fees range from $60 to $120 per session. The initial visit is usually longer and more comprehensive; therefore, it usually costs more. Most practitioners include within the treatment fee auxiliary modalities, such as cupping, electro stimulation, and moxibustion, while others charge in an ala carte fashion for each additional modality. Is acupuncture covered by insurance? In CA, OR, and WA, many health insurance policies now cover acupuncture and related services that are performed by an acupuncturist. In Massachusetts, several insurance providers have recently begun to cover such costs. In addition, many Massachusetts companies reimburse acupuncture expenses through worker’s compensation, flexible spending accounts, group insurance, or other benefits. Please check with your health insurance company to find out whether your health insurance includes a benefit to cover acupuncture treatments. Does Chinese herbal medicine interfere with Western medications? Chinese herbs are natural plants, animal or mineral materials, or their natural extracts. They rarely interfere with other medications. Due to the powerful effects of certain herbs, however, you should always obtain prescriptions from trained herbalists and discuss with them any other medications you are taking before taking any forms of herbal medicines. What type of herbs should I choose? The commonly prescribed herbs include raw or bulk herbs, scientific Chinese herbs, and Chinese patent medicines. 1. Raw or bulk herbs: These types of herbs are the easiest for the body to absorb, have the fastest and strongest effects, and are administered to address acute and severe conditions. Patients boil these herbs at home. The time-consuming cooking procedure and unpleasant taste of the decoctions greatly limits their usage. 2. Scientific Chinese herbs: These types of herbs include powders, capsules, tablets, and pills that are manufactured from concentrated herbs. Of these, the powders are the most effective. Because the concentrated powders are easy to prepare (simply mix all ingredients and take with warm water) and the others require no preparation, this form is well accepted by most American patients. 3. Patent Chinese medicines: These types of herbs are made on the basis of classical or modern research for herbal formulas. Unlike the other types of herbs, the patent Chinese medicines are not formulated specifically for a particular patient. In general, patent medicines are absorbed slowly and over a long period of time, are more easily stored, and are less expensive. They are more commonly used for treating chronic disorders associated with deficiencies. Are concentrated herbs as effective as raw herbs? Currently used herbal powders are concentrated extracts (5:1 ratio of herb to water) made from individually cooked raw herbs. The manufacturing process has very strict quality control for properties, water content, solubility, concentration, harmful bacteria, fungi, and heavy metal content. The special low-temperature boiling process that is used to create the herbs provides a 95% return of the active components. Therefore, all of the natural properties of raw herbs are retained. A clinical study in 14 hospitals in China found that the concentrated herbs have greater effectiveness than raw herbs. Other reports suggest, however, that they are slightly less effective due to the loss of interactions between the active principles of raw herbs that results from the decocting process.