FAQ

questions

What is Acupuncture?

Is it safe?

Does it hurt?

Do you accept insurance?

How should I prepare for my first visit?

How many treatments will I need?

How long are the appointments and how much does it cost?

What can be treated by acupuncture?

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a modality of healing that involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific body points located along channels of energy known as meridians. The meridian system connects all of our major organs and body parts, and circulates the body’s vital life energy, known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’).

According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi through the meridians becomes unbalanced or blocked. Acupuncturists use the point/meridian system to access and activate the Qi, to promote the body’s natural healing abilities and restore balanced health.

Learn more: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Is it safe?

Yes! Acupuncture has been safely employed on billions of patients for well over 2,500 years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of acupuncture needles by licensed acupuncturists in 1996 and require that they follow strict safety guidelines.

Only sterilized, single-use, disposable needles are used in this office, and Clean Needle Technique (CNT) protocol as outlined by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) is strictly adhered to. Our needles are never reused.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are tiny, thin, and flexible, and the sensation caused by insertion varies from patient to patient. The needles are 25 – 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles. So thin in fact, that several acupuncture needles can fit inside the middle of a hypodermic needle. Most people feel nothing at all upon insertion of an acupuncture needle, while others may experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin. Many patients fall asleep while on the treatment table.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. If acupuncture is covered by your particular plan, Rob will accept insurance as payment for services, either ‘in-network’ or ‘out-of-network.’ 

If you are not covered by medical insurance, we will be happy to discuss other available payment options. In addition, you can still consider your payments as medical expenses, and may be able to write them off on your taxes. Please refer to Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine as Tax Deductions.

How should I prepare for my first visit?

It is best to wear or bring loose-fitting clothing to your appointment.

Avoid eating heavy meals 2 hours prior to your treatment, but do try to have something light beforehand. You should not come to your appointment on an empty stomach.

It is also recommended that you avoid over-exercise, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol shortly before and after your treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies depending on your particular situation. Some acute conditions can be treated in 1 – 3 visits, while more chronic conditions may take longer. In these situations, at least 4 – 6 weeks of treatment are recommended with a progress evaluation at the end of that time.

How long are the appointments and how much does it cost?

Please refer to this website’s Services page for information on appointments. For information on rates for payment at time of service.

What can be treated by acupuncture?

Patients may see an acupuncturist for any number of conditions from musculoskeletal to fertility issues.

Some commonly treated conditions include: Acne, ADD/ADHD, Addiction (Smoking Cessation, Drug/Alcohol Problems), Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain, Cancer Related Fatigue, Chronic Diarrhea, Common Cold, Constipation, Crohn’s Disease, Dental Pain, Depression, Digestive Disorders, Facial Pain, Facial Rejuvenation, Fatigue, Flu, Gallstones, Gastritis, GERD, Gynecological Disorders, Hair Loss, Headache, Hypertension & Hypotension, IBS, Immune Disorders, Infertility, Insomnia, Irregular Menstruation, Joint Pain, Kidney Stones, Menopause, Migraines, Morning Sickness, Orthopedic Disorders, Nausea & Vomiting, Neck Pain, Neuropathy, Sciatica, Stress, Pain Syndromes, PMS, Postoperative Pain, PTSD, Reflux, Respiratory Disorders, Rosacea, Sinusitis, Skin Problems, Stroke Rehabilitation, TMJ, Ulcers, Weight Loss / Weight Gain, Women’s Health Issues, and much more.

  The Acupuncture Evidence Project found evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture for 117 conditions.

Point Pleasant, NJ Acupuncturist

Patients seen by appointment only.