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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, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tuina.

How many treatments will I need?

There are many variables to consider when assessing treatment timeframes. The length of time a patient has been experiencing symptoms, the location, and severity of the symptoms, the age of the patient, etc. Every individual responds differently to acupuncture. Once we can properly access a patient’s condition and their treatment outcomes, we will be better equipped to establish a reasonable treatment time frame.

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?

Every insurance package is put together differently. You can check our acupuncture insurance rate(/acupuncture-insurance-rates) here. We highly recommend having our team confirm acupuncture insurance benefits prior to your first treatment.  This is a simple process. Please text (646-483-3086), or email (tara@genwellacupuncture.com) an image of the front and back of your insurance card and include your full name and date of birth. We are usually able to get back to you within a day or so with the results.

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. All our needles are sterile, single-use filiform needles that are immediately disposed of into a Sharps container after removal

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

Are you a licensed acupuncturist?

Yes! We hold an acupuncture license from the State of New York.

Does cupping hurt?

Cupping is not a painful procedure. Patients report feeling a slight pull from the cupping and an occasional pinch, both situations, if uncomfortable, can be easily remedied. Once the cupping is over, patients may feel a little itchy, this is normal and resolves quickly. 

How long will the cupping marks last?

After cupping marks are not bruises and will resolve within a few days. Patients are encouraged to increase their water intake to help facilitate the timely resolution of the cupping marks. 

How long is an acupuncture treatment?

New patient acupuncture treatments run approximately 90 minutes, while follow-up treatments are 60 minutes. 

Does acupuncture hurt?

This is a tricky question. Some patients report feeling a slight pinch upon needle insertion, while others feel nothing at all. More often than not, any sensations felt subsided within seconds. Our goal is to ensure you are comfortable and several modifications can be made to ensure you have a positive, pain-free experience.

Are there any side effects?

Acupuncture is a very moving procedure, meaning, there are several physiological processes initiated with each needle insertion. On occasion, this can cause a patient to feel tired after their treatment. Patients also report feeling activity at the insertion site continuing after their session, we call this phenomenon a ghost needle and it is completely normal.

We ask patients to report any and all changes they experience after their treatment. This information is used to modify and customize the patient’s treatment in a way that maximizes beneficial outcomes, while minimizes side effects.

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