Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is safe and effective when performed by a fully trained and licensed professional. 

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the diameter of 2 or 3 human hairs.  Acupuncture sensations vary from person to person and point to point. Usually acupuncture is relatively painless; there may be a slight initial needle sensation on insertion, after which the point may feel heavy, dull, achey, tingly or itchy. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep, while others feel energized. Some patients experience an altered state of consciousness while on the table, with an enhanced sense of well-being following the treatment. Some treatments may leave you feeling tired and needing a rest afterward to let it soak in, while others may leave you feeling energized.

What can I expect during a treatment?

Treatments begin with a detailed consultation about your main concern and overall health condition. You then lie on the treatment table where the practitioner takes your pulse, looks at your tongue, and uses other diagnostic measures to confirm a differential diagnosis and assess which points will be the most effective for you at that time. Other diagnostic techniques may include point and channel palpation as well as abdominal palpation. Needles are then placed  and you will rest with them for 20 - 30 minutes. Music is available if you’d like to listen to it during your treatment. Depending on the treatment protocol for the day, you may also receive manual therapy or light massage, moxibustion (burning mugwort therapy), cupping, auricular (ear) therapy, and gua sha (dermal friction therapy). You may also receive an herbal prescription, dietary advice, or exercise or lifestyle recommendations or counseling.

How many treatments will I need?

Acupuncture is a cumulative process. For most conditions, we recommend an initial run of 6 bi-weekly or weekly treatments, after which, we'll evaluate your progress and update our treatment plan. Different patients respond differently and each healing journey is unique, however, a good rule of thumb is that for every year you’ve had the condition you will need at least 4-6 successive acupuncture treatments to correct it.

Who is eligible for treatments?

Jing Well Center for Conscious Medicine is a family medical practice with the ability to treat children, teens, adults, and elders. 

Can I bring my children to my treatment?

If they are able to sit quietly by themselves for at least an hour that would be okay. During your treatment you will not be able to care for your children and our office isn’t set up with childcare assistance, so if they are younger or require supervision, please leave them at home or at childcare.

How much do appointments cost?

The initial consultation is 90 minutes long and costs $160, which includes a comprehensive intake consultation a full  acupuncture treatment, and if appropriate, a custom herbal prescription. Subsequent appointments are 55 minutes and cost $110 plus the cost for herbal prescriptions.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not bill insurance. We can provide you with a superbill, which is an invoice containing insurance coding and information, which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Many of our patients file their own claims and are reimbursed.

 What Conditions Does Chinese Medicine treat?

Chinese Medicine is simply medicine. For thousands of years it was the medicine practiced in China, Japan, and Korea -  the only medicine to treat what ailed you. In those times, people would travel to see the doctor for treatment of anything from malaria to a twisted ankle. This fact is built into the history and knowledge accumulated by Chinese Medicine. Consequently, Chinese Medicine is effective in treating many acute and chronic internal, musculoskeletal, and psycho-emotional conditions. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH)have also compiled lists of complaints where acupuncture's effectiveness has been demonstrated in controlled trials. 

This list includes:
Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat: sinusitis, hay fever (allergies), dizziness, sore throat
Circulatory: high blood pressure, anemia, arteriosclerosis
Gastrointestinal: Irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, constipation, gastritis, food allergies
Gynecological/Genitourinary: PMS, irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, breech presentation, morning sickness, menopause, impotence, infertility (both male & female)
Immune System: chronic fatigue, lupus, MS, hepatitis
Addiction: smoking cessation, drug and alcohol addiction and withdrawal
Psychological: anxiety, insomnia, depression, PTSD
Musculoskeletal/Neurological: arthritis, neuralgia, back pain, tendonitis, headache & migraine, stroke, cerebral palsy, polio, sprains, shingles
Respiratory: asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, colds & flu
Miscellaneous: side-effects of chemotherapy & radiation, diabetes, dermatological issues

What is your cancellation policy?

We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Cancellations which occur 24 hours before a scheduled appointment do not incur a charge. Late cancellations or no-shows will be charged a service fee.