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Frequently
Asked Questions:
1. What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of sterile, hair-thin, needles
into acupuncture points on the body. Acupuncture points
are places where nerves and blood vessels are densely packed
and the stimulation of these points regulates the function
of the brain, nervous system, and internal organs to stop pain,
increase circulation and restore normal functioning of the
body.
Hormones, neurotransmitters, natural pain-relieving substances
and natural anti-inflammatory mediators are also released during
acupuncture and help to stop pain and restore optimal functioning.
Effects of acupuncture include pain relief, increased circulation,
improved organ, nervous, and immune system functioning, reduction
of muscle spasms, increased range of motion in joints, stress
relief, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Acupuncture has been used as part of traditional Chinese medicine
for thousands of years to safely, effectively and naturally treat
pain and disease. Only the most effective and time tested
therapies have survived and that is what we use today.
Acupuncture is not metaphysical or based on mystical invisible
energy or meridians; rather it is founded on the principles of
human physiology and works through the action of the nerves,
blood vessels, brain and nervous system.
The ancient Chinese doctors did extensive scientific studies
of the human body and had a thorough understanding of anatomy
and physiology thousands of years before the western world did.
Unfortunately because of a 19th century mistranslation of a Chinese
medical text book, the scientific history of Chinese medicine
was dismissed by the western world as metaphysical mythology.
The ancient Chinese doctors considered the blood circulation
in blood vessels called "Mai” and the quality of vital
air (oxygen) called “Qi" in body tissues to be the
primary factors in maintaining health.
Thus acupuncture treatments
were focused on opening blockages in order to restore blood circulation
and get oxygen into the tissues. Restored circulation would then
stop pain, restore organ function, and optimize health.
In the aforementioned mistranslation, blood vessel "Mai" was
incorrectly called a meridian and "Qi" became energy.
Thus
began the metaphysical misunderstanding of Chinese medicine and
the entire medical system was dismissed.
Fortunately for us, Chinese medicine has survived and today Chinese
medicine is the most commonly used medical system in the world.
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2. Does acupuncture hurt?
The answer is usually no, but a small percentage of people experience
minor discomfort for a short time. Acupuncture uses very small
solid sterile needles which are many times smaller than the hypodermic
needles you may be used to seeing at a doctor’s office. In
fact, they are so small that you could fit several acupuncture
needles into the bore hole of a hypodermic needle.
While there is momentary discomfort with needle insertion, acupuncture
needles are so small that most patients do not mind it at all. A
small percentage of patients may find acupuncture painful but
most patients fall asleep immediately after because it is very
relaxing.
We always tailor treatments to your needs and have had many once
needle-phobic people become lovers of acupuncture. If you
are particularly needle phobic or sensitive to pain we can work
with you; remember our goal is to eliminate your pain.
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3. Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Acupuncture is a covered service for many health insurance companies
as well as workers compensation and auto insurance. Insurance
coverage for acupuncture is a growing trend.
We accept most health,
workers compensation, and auto insurance companies and plans. In
addition we accept auto and personal injury claims.
We
are preferred "in-network" providers for most major
insurance companies. We cannot accept Medi-Cal or Medicare at
the moment.
Please contact your health care insurance company
for specifics on your own plan's benefits and their rules because
these can vary.
4. What are my payment options?
We accept most kinds of health insurance and will handle all
your billing and paper work. Acupuncture is a covered service
for most medical, auto, personal injury and workers compensation
insurance plans.
We also accept Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, Discover cards and PayPal.
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5. How much does acupuncture cost?
Cash pricing is as follows:
The first visit consultation and treatment (80 minutes) is $140.
Follow up treatments (50 minutes) are $90.
Herbal consultations (15 minutes) including one week of herbal
medicine are $60.
Tui-Na treatments (30 minutes) are $65.
6. What can I expect on my first visit?
Your first visit will include a thorough review of your medical
history, a physical exam, and then an acupuncture treatment.
At your first visit other modalities, such and Tui-Na, massage
or herbal medicine may be prescribed for you. A complete treatment
plan and expected outcomes will be explained.
The needles are
retained for 20 to 45 minutes during the acupuncture treatment.
7. What is a typical course of treatment?
A typical course of treatment is 12 to 15 treatments. Because
everyone responds differently to acupuncture you may need more
or less than the average number of treatments.
The severity, duration and other complicating diseases or factors
will also change your rate of response to acupuncture.
We recommend a trial of four acupuncture treatments to start
with. After that, we can evaluate your response and give you
a more accurate estimate of how long your treatment should last.
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8. Can acupuncture help me?
Yes! Acupuncture has been helping people for thousands of years
and it can help you. While acupuncture is most often used to
stop pain, it also regulates the function of the internal organs,
thereby treating a wide variety of health conditions.
Acupuncture
is a therapy and the effects accumulate and provide lasting relief.
Acupuncture is very effective for pain and when western medicine
fails such as chronic and stubborn diseases. Chris O’Donnell,
L.Ac is happy to answer your specific questions and will provide
a thorough explanation during your initial consultation.
9. Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, acupuncture is extremely safe. Major side effects are
almost unheard of and the most common minor side-effect is a
bruise. Acupuncture, when performed by a licensed and competent
practitioner is safe and effective.
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10. What are acupuncture and Chinese medicine used for?
Acupuncture is used for pain relief and to treat a wide variety
of diseases. Chinese medicine has been used for thousands
of years as a complete medical system.
Chinese medicine is capable of treating all diseases and should
be a first line treatment for our most common health ailments
because it is safe and effective, without side effects.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are increasingly used as an
integrative treatment with western medicine. For cancer
support and pre and post-operatively care, the combination of
eastern and western medicine is much better than either one on
its own.
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11. What kinds of conditions and diseases can acupuncture and
Chinese medicine treat?
Acupuncture is most commonly used for pain, such as back, neck
and spine pain, herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, headache,
facial pain, jaw pain (TMJ), menstrual pain, arthritis, sprains,
muscle strain, repetitive strain injuries, tendonitis, sports
and auto injuries.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are
also very effective for viral infections such as colds/flu’s
and hepatitis.
Other problems commonly and effectively treated with acupuncture
include: insomnia, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, allergies
and sinus problems, skin disorders, asthma, digestive problems,
fertility and reproductive enhancement for men and women.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has determined that acupuncture
is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of common health
problems listed below.
12. Can acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine be used
to prevent illness and disease?
Yes! Prevention of disease and maintenance of health and
vitality has been a hallmark of Chinese medicine for thousands
of years.
These great health benefits were once only available
to the Emperor of China but now we can all have access to the
wonderful lineage of Chinese medicine.
13. Tell me about Chinese herbal medicine.
Acupuncture Professionals uses the highest quality herbs available
from around the world. We have herbs available in traditional
teas as well as in powders and pill form.
Herbs are not expensive. Typically, one week supply of herbs
costs $20 - $30. Chinese herbal medicine, when taken in tea form
can taste bitter however the benefits to your health and well-being
are worth it. Chinese herbal formulas in tablet form are very
easy to take and bypass your taste buds.
Herbs can be taken for days or months depending on your condition.
Unlike western pharmaceutical drugs, you do not have to take
herbal medicine forever. Once your condition has stabilized you
no longer have to take herbal medicine.
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14. What are your credentials?
Chris O’Donnell, L.Ac is licensed both nationally and in
the State of California as an acupuncturist. Chris is board certified
in Acupuncture Orthopedics and Internal Medicine for Acupuncturists.
Please see my Curriculum
Vitae for more
information.
15. What is Tui-Na?
Tui-Na is a form of therapeutic massage and manual medicine that
originated in China over 4,000 years ago.
16. Where can I get more information?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Medline, and the internet
are good places to start. Please see our Health
& Wellness
page for a full
list.
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17. Where are you located & how can I contact you?
Chris O’Donnell, L.Ac
Acupuncture Professionals, Inc.
862 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94107 View
Map:
(415) 412-8841 Chris’s direct line
(415) 495-3946 Fax
