Frequently Asked Questions

Each patient and condition is unique so the total number and frequency of treatments that will effectively treat your condition will depend on several factors, including how long you’ve had the problem, how acute or chronic it is, other types of treatments you are receiving concurrently, your overall health, and more.

In this system of medicine each treatment builds on the previous one. Acupuncture works holistically and treatment benefits are cumulative so more than one treatment is often recommended.

You can however expect to have your health concern addressed in a direct and timely manner. Many conditions can be alleviated very rapidly with acupuncture and herbs, but typically a series of treatments is necessary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual.  Achieving significant healing requires a commitment on your part.

Optimal results are achieved when a patient follows the suggested treatment plan. With acupuncture, patients will usually begin to see positive changes within the first few treatments. After seeing significant improvement the frequency of treatments will change. Follow-up care is encouraged to prevent the symptoms from recurring and to maintain wellness. Many people get regular acupuncture treatments to maintain good health and avoid illness. For more information about your visit and what to expect, visit our Your Visit page.

Very thin, sterile, disposable needles are used in acupuncture treatments.

Most patients do not find the insertion of such fine needles to be painful. In fact, often they don’t feel anything thing at all. Typically people are so relaxed and comfortable they fall asleep during the treatments. Unlike hollow, rigid hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and are approximately the size of a single hair. The diameter of acupuncture needles is very small in comparison to hypodermic needles, and they are extremely flexible.

Acupuncture is very safe in the hands of a trained specialist. Chinese Medicine is a field that requires extensive training. There are rigorous requirements to become a Licensed Acupuncturist. There are typically no side effects to acupuncture, however, a patient should be forthcoming in disclosing all medical conditions, including pregnancy. Part of the beauty of acupuncture is that it encourages the body to regulate itself in a gentle way rather than forcing it. Some medications require caution, such as blood thinners, but do not prevent acupuncture treatment.

We use single-use only, sterilized, disposable needles in our clinic.

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the primary modalities within the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese herbal therapy includes treatment with substances such as plants, roots, minerals and more. Like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine has evolved as an integral part of Chinese medicine and is used to re-harmonize imbalances in the body.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines herbal medicines to include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products that contain as active ingredients parts of plants, or other plant materials, or combinations. Chinese formulas are comprised of herbs designed for each individual patient. This special formulation is crucial because these formulas must be carefully combined for the purpose of achieving balance in each disharmonious state of being. Even small deviations in dosage or herb composition can change the entire focus of the formula and therefore, the results. Herbal formulas come in a variety of forms with pill, powder or liquid forms being the most commonly prescribed.

Children of all ages are treated and respond well to acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments. In addition, young children or those that are apprehensive of the use of needles may be treated without needles using therapeutic bodywork and/or other modalities. Children are usually surprised that they feel little or no discomfort with the treatments. In addition, herbal formulas are often prescribed to enhance the acupuncture treatments and to provide further care between treatments.

Typically children respond quickly to acupuncture treatments, and many show marked improvement in all areas of their daily lives. At Healing Points Acupuncture we treat the whole child, helping to keep her/him strong and healthy.

Yes! Please let your doctor know that you are having treatments at Healing Points Acupuncture. It is advisable to always inform your physician about any type of treatment that you are seeking. Acupuncture can be a perfect compliment to many Western medicine conditions. It is also possible that a course of acupuncture may reduce your need for some medications, so it is essential that your doctor is aware that you are receiving treatment. It is also important to have a list of all medications and supplements that you are taking available during your first acupuncture consultation. Most medical doctors are supportive of acupuncture treatments and it is better for you if all your healthcare practitioners are able to work together to provide you with optimal care.

If you are in the need of a restorative acupuncture session and are unable to come to our clinic, we will bring the services to you. This option is especially useful for patients that are home-bound for any reason, laboring or postpartum women, persons with limited mobility, or those recovering from surgery or illness and their caretakers.

For those looking for a mobile acupuncturist to perform workplace wellness treatments for you and your employees, we are here to assist you. Treatments may be arranged in your home, office, nursing home, assisted living facility, retirement community, hospice setting, or other locations. Whatever the reason, wherever the location, our goal is to help.

All home/on-site appointments require a credit card to hold the appointment. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance or be subject to the full service fee. Prices may vary depending on location. Please contact us at 501-221-1120 for more information and rates.