FAQ

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISIT   An initial appointment lasts approximately 2 hours. We begin with a lengthy discussion to collect the details of primary health concerns, health history and lifestyle in general. A visual diagnosis of the tongue and pulse taking is then reviewed, followed by the actual acupuncture needling. Follow up visits are similar in scope, though are scheduled per 1 ½ hour sessions. Total or partial relief may follow an acupuncture treatment. In some instances symptoms may seem noticeable or even heightened, only to diminish significantly in a few hours. Improvement in the initial phase of treatment may last for a period of a few days, perhaps longer.

NEEDLES   Fine gauge, pre-sterilized, one-time use stainless steel needles are inserted beneath the surface of the skin. Needles are inserted to a level where practitioner and patient feel contact with the QI within the channel. This depth ranges commonly from ¼” to 1 ½ inches depending upon bodily location.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS?   Oriental medicine is understood to be a process whereby the body’s own healing momentum is stimulated. Some people begin to respond immediately while others take more time to experience significant results. Varying levels of available QI and blood that activate the process of transforming a condition are likely reasons why. During an acute phase of injury or onset of illness treatments are needed once or frequently, twice per week. The longer a condition is present, the longer it may take to respond to treatment and lifestyle changes; although this is not always the case. A course of six to ten treatments is a practical estimation for most patients to work through an acute phase of health disharmony. Many people choose to receive acupuncture every two to three weeks or monthly to maintain well-being and resistance to illness.

IS ACUPUNCTURE PAINFUL?   When tenderness or discomfort are experienced it is usually due to stagnation in the meridians and musculature, thus requiring needling techniques to release and redirect QI and blood flow in the area. Such sensations are momentary, and are not the norm. On the whole, most people experience an acupuncture treatment to be comfortable and relaxing.

ARE CHINESE HERBS SAFE?   Elemental Changes Medical Arts only recommends herbs that are GMP certified. This means that herbs and formulations are verified through rigorous chemical analysis. GMP testing ensures optimal purity. 

Click this link to review information on GMP standards by our distributor: Mayway Corporation

 CLARIFYING MEDICAL TERMS   Although there are names that are altogether unique to oriental medicine like QI, Yin & Yang, TCM also shares terms with western medicine that although familiar to us, are not identical in meaning. In TCM theory, organ names such as liver, gallbladder, heart, small intestine, spleen, stomach, lung, large intestine, kidney and bladder hold energetic correspondences in addition to basic organ functions. Only in part are we accustomed to consider organs by these names to mean what they do in a TCM context.

PAYMENT   Payable by cash or check at the time of your visit ~ No credit or debit cards

CANCELLATION POLICY   Cancellation and rescheduling of an appointment must be done by phone. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice prior to the appointment. If you do not cancel or reschedule 24 hours prior to the appointment a cancellation fee will be charged.

INSURANCE  If you have health insurance please contact your provider prior to your appointment to verify whether your policy coverage includes acupuncture and herbs. We do not bill insurance directly. Payment is required at each appointment to then be reimbursed to you directly by your provider. We will happily supply any patient with receipts for office visits. There is a $45.00 processing fee per every submission that requires documentation that must be handled by our office.