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Q & A

Some common questions about acupuncture are answered below. Call us if you have other questions or if you are interested in improving your life through acupuncture treatment.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.

An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the body’s Qi and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity and physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

What will my acupuncturist do?

During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits with your acupuncturist may last from thirty to ninety minutes.

Why do they want to feel my pulse?

There are twelve pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking for twenty-seven individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.

Why do they want to look at my tongue?

The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.

Why did my acupuncturist recommend herbs?

Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.

Is acupuncture safe for children?

Yes. In some instances, children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, Dr.Peng may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure. Acupuncture provides treatment for a lot of pediatric diseases like Autism,ADHD and Cerebral Palsy.

 

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.

Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.

How much does it cost?

Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed. It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.

Will my insurance cover acupuncture?

Insurance coverage varies from state to state. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:

  • Will my plan cover acupuncture?
  • How many visits per calendar year?
  • Do I need a referral?
  • Do I have a co-pay?
  • Do I have a deductible?
  • If yes, has it been met?

 

We accept most insurance, including health, auto and worker’s compensation insurance.

Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, acupuncture may be covered under your plan. If it is covered, you should take advantage of that benefit. Many group insurance plans have acupuncture benefits. If your plan is a PPO or POS plan, you may have coverage.
Some of the most popular plans include:

  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • United HealthCare
  • Cigna HealthCare
  • Blue Shield of California
  • BlueCross BlueShield
  • Aetna
  • Heath Net PPO
  • PacifiCare PPO
  • American Life Insurance Co. (ALICO)
  • Connecticut General Life Insurance Co.
  • Guardian
  • One Health Plan

Blue Shield of California: we are in-network. You just pay copay does not matter whom you want to see.

Medicare and Medi-Cal: we do NOT accept Mediare and Medi-Cal.

Insurance plans are complicated, and we know the exact questions to ask the insurance representatives. So we recommend you give us your insurance information and let us contact your insurance.

In-Network or Out-of-Network Provider:
Most health insurance companies do not pay In-Nework acupuncturists fairly, so most experienced acupuncturists are Out-of-Network providers with most health insurance companies because they do Not contract with them. If you want to have good acupuncture service with good result and you want to see an experienced acupuncturist, you will probably end up see an out-of-network provider. Seeing an out-of-network acupuncturist not necessarily mean you will for sure pay more than you would see an In-Network acupuncturist. In many cases, you may pay the same or even less. It depends on the acupuncture benefit of your health plan.

Since insurance plan are very complicated and the coverage is very different, we strongly recommend you to call us and we can help you to verify the insurance benefit for you and we will give you our recommendation based your benefit.

Auto Insurance
We also accept automobile insurance medical coverage (Med Pay). Med Pay pays 100% of necessary medical care for injuries sustained in automobile accidents, regardless of fault. Call your carrier to see if this benefit is included in your policy, or let us check for you. We also accept lien cases if you already have a lawyer taking care of your case.

Workers Compensation Insurance
Workers Compensation insurance covers 100% of necessary medical treatment for injuries resulting from one’s occupation. If you have an open Workers Comp claim, or believe that your condition arose as the result of your occupation, you may have benefits. Please contact us. We will instruct you on how to get the referral from your primary physician and authorization from your adjuster.

How should I prepare?

  • Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
  • Do not eat large meals just before or after
    your visit.
  • Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
  • Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
  • Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.

How safe is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

How are acupuncturists educated?

Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.

What can acupuncturists treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:

  • Addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Colitis
  • Common cold
  • Constipation
  • Dental pain
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Digestive trouble
  • Dizziness
  • Dysentery
  • Emotional problems
  • Eye problems
  • Facial palsy
  • Fatigue
  • Fertility
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Gingivitis
  • Headache
  • Hiccough
  • Incontinence
  • Indigestion
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Low back pain
  • Menopause
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Migraine
  • Morning sickness
  • Nausea
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Pain
  • PMS
  • Pneumonia
  • Reproductive problems
  • Rhinitis
  • Sciatica
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Shoulder pain
  • Sinusitis
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Smoking cessation
  • Sore throat
  • Stress
  • Tennis elbow
  • Tonsillitis
  • Tooth pain
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Vomiting
  • Wrist pain

 

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