acupuncture, acupuncturist, herbal or alternative medicine

Acupuncture is very different from the experience of having blood drawn or getting a shot. There are a few basic reasons for this:

1.	Hypodermic needles used in western medicine for injections are large because they are basically "double-chambered": a tube within a tube. The outer tube delivers the inner tube to the correct site for the deposit or withdrawal to be accomplished. Acupuncture needles on the other hand, are not making deposits or withdrawals of any fluids. Therefore they are ultra thin and single shafted -- often as fine as a hair. They are made of stainless steel and are sterile.
2.	Hypodermic needles are designed with a "cutting style" tip on them so they can cut into a vein to withdraw blood or cut deeply into the tissue of the body to deliver a shot or other injection. In contrast, acupuncture needles have more of a slightly rounded or "ball-point" style tip, which gently slides into the superficial body tissue. Since muscle tissue is formed by thousands of tiny strands of muscle fibers, side by side, the very tiny acupuncture needle simply slips between these strands without any need for cutting or bleeding. The sole purpose of the needle is to access the vital energy (Qi) flowing in the pathway at that specific point.
3.	Most acupuncture needles are inserted into the superficial layers of the body. Only in specific situations is it necessary to needle deeply, and those areas are normally where the body has larger muscle mass. Usually, it is scarcely felt.

The intention during needle insertion is to access the vital energy of the body (Qi) at the point selected. As a sign of achieving this, some patients experience a slight tingle or sensation of heaviness or numbness around the needle. But this small sensation is rarely uncomfortable and most patients begin to feel very relaxed in a short time.
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Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a qualified, licensed, conscientious practitioner. Properly trained acupuncturists know the human anatomy very well and insert needles in a very safe fashion. The needles are pre-sterilized during manufacture, and sealed in packaging until opened for use. Then they are disposed of after one use in accordance with biohazard regulations. About one-quarter of the world's population uses some form of acupuncture and the healing principles of oriental medicine in their health care. This system is so safe, cost-efficient , non-iatrogenic and effective that is has been endorsed wholehearted by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations. Because of it's safety record, high degree of efficacy, and freedom of side effects, acupuncture is now being used by millions of Americans every day to treat a myriad of conditions. (Press here for list of conditions treated.) In addition to experiencing a deep sense of relaxation during the treatment, one common side benefit is that, while undergoing therapy for one ailment, other lesser problems often resolve concurrently. This demonstrates the "wholistic" principles behind the approach of traditional Chinese Medicine, which seeks to identify the ROOT cause, and attempts to restore balance to the whole being.
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Absolutely not! Acupuncture has been used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals for many years. These animal "patients" do not understand or believe in the theory or process behind what causes them to recover. Of course, a positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the positive effects of a treatment just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other kind of treatment. Holding an open, neutral attitude. ("I want to feel better, and therefore I am open to see what may happen.") is a recommended approach if one is doubtful. This will not form a block to any treatment results.
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Insurance companies are gradually seeing how cost-effective acupuncture treatment can be, and more and more are beginning to offer coverage. Each individual policy must be reviewed to determine whether this is a payable benefit. Here are some steps to follow and hints to help you learn about coverage.

Call the 800 number on your insurance card or read your policy carefully to ascertain whether you have coverage under your current plan. If you DO, consider getting the additional information below:

	• How many treatments are covered?
	• Is coverage limited to only PAIN diagnoses?
	• Is a prescription or referral needed from a medical doctor?
	• Does a physician (M.D.) need to perform the acupuncture? (If so, press here to advance to CREDENTIALS)

If you DO NOT have coverage, consider the following options:

	Voice your disappointment to the insurance company for not offering coverage as an option. If it is an option, but your employer has decided not to purchase this option in its benefits package for company employees, voice your dissatisfaction to the Human Resources Representative at your company. The popularity and acceptance of acupuncture over the past few years are greatly due to public demand. The more people ask for this benefit, the more likely it will be provided in the future.
	Inquire about purchasing an "Add-on" optional package for wholistic therapies. There are some available which you would pay for up front, but it might save you a lot if you take advantage of not only acupuncture but also massage and many other natural healing therapies included in this package.
	Your employer may offer a medical "cafeteria plan" or "flexible spending account" whereby your acupuncture treatments are paid for by tax free funds, which you have allocated for your health care. Ask about the limits or how this plan can work best for you.