Do you reuse the needles?
The needles used are very fine disposable stainless steel. They are placed in a sharps container after use and when the container is full, it is taken to a local pharmacy for disposal.
What does acupuncture help with?
According to the National Institute of Health, acupuncture is able to address a wide range of health concerns: reproductive, respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, dermatologic, circulatory, cognitive, neurological, emotional, etc.
People seek acupuncture treatment for a variety of conditions. I see many people with pain many times due to injuries suffered as a result of car accidents, falls, sports, overuse, etc. The cause may also be fibromyalgia, arthritis and /or poor eating habits. There are also weight, allergy, emotional, fertility issues. Headaches, joint aches, backaches, neck aches etc. are also good reasons to choose acupuncture and related modalities.
What is an L.Ac,MAcOM DAOM?
After completing two years of prerequisites and then three and a half years of classes, I received my Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAcOM) . The LAc ( Licensed Acupuncturist) is earned after being licensed in the state in which a practitioner is practicing. I received the DAOM degree ( Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) after another 2 years of monthly weekend classes.
- Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAcOM)
Usually requires completion of some prerequisites, and three and a half years of courses - Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM)
Requires two years of monthly weekend classes after the MAcOM - Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac)
Once the courses have been completed, and the final exams passed, it is necessary to apply for a state license to practice. Once acquired, the practitioner is a licensed acupuncturist. - Usually a prerequisite for licensing is passing the national acupuncture board exams. There are exams for acupuncture, herbal medicine and bodywork. Once the practitioner has passed the exam for acupuncture, they are a Diplomate in acupuncture. .
Do you take insurance?
Yes I do take insurance, and I send in the claims to the appropriate companies. All you do is pay the copay or coinsurance if you have one at the time of the visit.
What insurance companies do you take?
I accept most insurance companies that insure my patients. Some of the companies that I see most often are listed below. I send in the claims to the insurance companies for my patients.
- Kaiser Permanente
- Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield
- United Health Care
- Humana
- Regence
- Lifewise
- Pacific Source
- and others
How should I prepare for my appointment?
It is best to wear comfortable and loose clothing for the treatment and best to have had a small meal or snack within a few hours of the treatment so as not to be hungry. We are working with the body's energy and food provides most of that energy.
Do the needles hurt?
For the most part there is no pain with the insertion of the needles. At times you may feel a momentary sharp prick when the needles contacts the skin. There can also be a feeling of achiness as the energy moves or a pleasant feeling of energy moving. Mostly, patients feel very relaxed and fall asleep. People often comment that they enjoy the treatment.
Who Are My Patients?
More and more people of all ages and walks of life are seeking acupuncture treatment for help with various health conditions usually involving pain and discomfort and the interruption of their ability to carry out their daily activities at home and at work. I see children, teenagers, young adults, and people up into their 90's. People are seeking alternatives to drugs and surgery.