What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine, which is gaining more and more popularity in this country. During a treatment, very thin, solid, hair like needles are inserted at specific points on the body. The stimulation of these Acupuncture points affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It triggers the release of the body’s internal chemicals such as endorphins, which have pain-relieving properties.
What is Qi?
The ancient Chinese believed there is a universal life energy called Chi or Qi (pronounced “chee”) present in every living creature. Qi is the vital energy in all living things, from the tallest tree to the smallest cell.
This can be considered blood, oxygen or energy and is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways called meridians. Qi flows through the meridians as an invisible current, energizing, nourishing and supporting every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland.
As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained; however, once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain or illness occur. Qi provides the power to accomplish everyday activities. It is necessary for growth, development, movement, maintenance of body temperature, protection against illness and disease, and overall regulation of the body. Our health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.
Acupuncture works to “re-program” and restore normal functions by stimulating certain points on the meridians in order to free up the Qi energy.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has its origin in ancient Taoist philosophy, which views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are unified, each influencing and balancing the other. Unlike allopathic or Western medicine, which attempts to isolate and separate a disease from a person, Chinese Medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole person. Many people have found Traditional Chinese methods of healing to be excellent tools for maintaining optimum health and preventing illness. It is effective for physical, psychological and emotional problems.
What does Acupuncture feel like?
Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe Acupuncture can be painless. Over the centuries, refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled Acupuncture practitioner to place a needle with little or no sensation. Patients often report they feel some warmth, pressure, or dull aching and the feeling is unfamiliar but relaxing. Most people fall asleep during their Acupuncture session.
Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a thick hair. They are solid, and nothing is injected or drawn through them. Therefore, they have very little in common with other types of needles you may have experienced within Western medicine. All needles are sterilized, single-use only and disposable.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your condition. The rule of thumb is generally one month of treatments for every year you have experienced the issue. For example, if you have had chronic sinus infections for two years, you could expect at least two months of treatments. Some acute conditions may require fewer treatments and some degenerative conditions may require more treatments. However, the patient has the right to expect their major complaint will be addressed and treated in a direct and timely manner.
Will my insurance cover my treatments?
Best Acupuncture does not accept or bill insurance. However, we can provide documentation you may submit directly to your insurance provider, which in turn may reimburse you directly. Approximately, thirty-percent (30%) of insurances now provide coverage for Acupuncture. Please contact your insurance provider to find out what types of Acupuncture services are included in your policy.
It is our goal to make Acupuncture accessible to all people regardless of their financial situation. Additional payment plans are available in our office. If you would like more information regarding payment options, click here for My Medical Loan, who provide affordable medical financing options for patients. If you still have questions about payment, please call our office at 704-655-8298 or email info@bestacupuncture.com.
You may also explore the use of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA) or Cafeteria Plan provided by your employer, which allows you to use pre-tax dollars toward eligible medical expenses not covered by your insurance plan. If you are not sure, contact your Human Resources director for more information.
Where are you located?
8213 Village Harbor Drive, Cornelius, NC 28031
Phone: 704-655-8298
email: info@bestacupuncture.com
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