FrequentLy Asked Questions
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE USED FOR?
The goal of acupuncture is to promote and restore the balance of energy which flows throughout the body. The benefits of acupuncture can extend to a wide variety of conditions. Generally speaking, it can help with pain management, restore internal balance, boost immune system, increase fertility, and promote overall health. Read more about What Is Acupuncture Used For?
WHAT DOES Acupuncture treatment FEEL LIKE?
The acupuncturist will look for the places called acupoints, pressure points, or trigger points on your body to access the Qi (Chi) that is blocked, unbalanced, or flowing improperly. You may feel slight pressure when a needle goes in. Most people find that it doesn't hurt. The area may tingle, itch, feel numb, or be a little sore. Providers believe that this is a sign that the energy flow, or Qi (Chi), has been accessed.
HOW LONG THE VISIT WOULD BE?
The consultation may take 10-30 minutes, sometimes longer, depending on how complicated your condition is. The treatment itself is about 30-45 minutes, also depending on your condition and the modalities added. A detailed treatment plan will be provided after each evaluation.
DO YOU ACCEPT MY INSURANCE? HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
We are in-network provider with Cigna and BCBS New Jersey. We take major health insurances, including Horizon BCBS NJ Direct, Horizon BCBS Traditional Plan, Horizon BCBS Direct Access, Horizon BCBS Federal Plan, Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, United Healthcare, No Fault MVA insurance, Veterans Affairs, and many more. If you'd like to know your eligibility and benefits for acupuncture treatment, please visit INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED for more information. If you do not have coverage, we also accept cash, check, credit card, and FSA/HSA. You can call or text (973) 910-8288, or email: [email protected] to ask about our fee schedule.
How do i know if acupuncture is right for me?
Acupuncture has been around for 2500 years precisely because it is a safe and effective means of restoring the natural healing mechanisms of the body. Stress is unavoidable, whether in the form of physical imbalance like a repetitive-motion injury, a chemical source like refined, processed, or pesticide-treated foods, or an emotional source such as a high-pressure job or family responsibilities. Exercise and diet alone are no longer enough to protect you from cellular stress, cancer, and degeneration. Everyone on this planet is faced with incredible health challenges given the intensity with which our bodies and minds are being stressed on multiple fronts. Acupuncture is one of the few healing modalities which can actually protect you from disease as well as treat the symptoms of imbalance.
How frequently should I come for treatment?
The answer depends on your general health condition, the stage of your illness, and how well you follow the treatment plan. Some acute conditions could be resolved in 1-3 treatments, while others require ongoing long-term therapies. Most conditions necessitate 2 treatments per week for around 3-4 weeks. Keep in mind that acupuncture is a therapy, not a magic one-time cure-all. You wouldn’t go to physical therapy and expect to improve by doing exercises from “time to time”, and the same is true for acupuncture. In order to overcome patterns of imbalance, your body has to generate a healing momentum and this requires consistency and frequency of treatment. Depending on the condition you are coming in for and other lifestyle factors, your individual course of treatment may require less frequent visits.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Not only is acupuncture safe during pregnancy, it is good for preparing a woman's body to conceive. We provide supportive treatments alongside IVI/IVF. We also provide postpartum care for speedy recovery from exhausting labor. We recommend women to get regular acupuncture treatments throughout pregnancy to protect the developing fetus from unhealthy stress levels. There is plenty of data and research demonstrating that stress from the mother will adversely affect her developing baby with such conditions as: low birth weight, premature labor, higher-than-normal stress hormones in the newborn, issues with bonding, and developmental delays.
Is acupuncture safe while on blood thinners?
Yes. While you may be more susceptible to bruising, acupuncture is still a safe form of treatment if you are taking a blood thinner.
What should i wear to my acupuncture appointments?
Depending on what your conditions are and the acupuncture points selected, you might be fully clothed or disrobed for the treatment. Disposable gowns will be provided. Most of the acupuncture points I frequently use are located on the lower half of the arms and legs so make sure you wear loose and comfortable clothes so you can roll your sleeves up to your elbows and your pant legs up to your knees.
Why do you need to know about my health history if i'm just coming in for pain?
Acupuncturists view the body as an integrated whole, not as compartmentalized systems. Because of this whole-body perspective, understanding the complete picture of all systems of the body will help establish a more comprehensive and ultimately effective treatment plan.