Frequently Asked Questions:

• Does acupuncture hurt?

Many patients are surprised to find that acupuncture is virtually painless. The insertion of acupuncture needles may cause a brief sharp or pinching sensation. This should pass quickly, and fade into a warm or tingling sensation. If you experience continued pain where a needle is inserted, let your acupuncturist know, so they can adjust or remove that needle. At Springs Community Acupuncture, we use fine, high-quality needles and gentle needle technique. We find that we can achieve great results without causing discomfort to our patients. If you experience pain during your treatment, please alert your acupuncturist. 

• How does community acupuncture work?

In community acupuncture, all treatments take place in an open treatment room where patients relax quietly together. The initial intake is conducted in private. Acupuncture points on the legs, arms, and head are used to effectively treat a wide variety of conditions. Patients simply roll up their sleeves and pant legs and lie back in their recliner. Patient's choose the length of treatment, typically 30-60 minutes. They can catch the acupuncturist’s eye at any time if they need something adjusted or they feel done. A beautiful synergy happens in the group treatment setting. Patients love to bring in friends and family to share the experience.

• How many treatments will I need?       

The answer to this question is highly individualized; it depends on the intensity of symptoms and the patient. For example, someone who comes in with severe pain, a 10/10, may need treatments every day in the first week and then 2-3 treatments for a few weeks following. A patient with a mild digestive disorder and high-stress level might come in twice a week during high-stress times, and as-needed during low-stress times. Your acupuncturist will chat with you about a treatment plan at your first visit. In general, we recommend that new patients expect to come in for 3 to 5 treatments to see how acupuncture works for their body.

• Do you take insurance/Medicare/Medicaid?        

We do not work with any insurance companies at this time. However, our sliding scale is typically lower than a co-pay. All of our patients pay at the time of service. If necessary, we can provide the paperwork for you to submit to your health savings account or insurance company for reimbursement.

• Are Chinese herbs safe?    

The use of Chinese herbs has been well-studied and documented for thousands of years. The right herbal formula can greatly accelerate healing, by deeply nourishing the body and correcting the flow of qi and blood. At our clinic, we prescribe herbs for many conditions. We offer Chinese herbal formulas in tablets and also as powdered herbs that are taken as a tea.  All the products we carry are of the highest quality, rigorously tested for chemical and heavy metal contaminants. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask. You can schedule an herbal consult with us anytime.

• What does acupuncture treat?

So many things!! Acupuncture is best known for treating pain. From acute injuries to chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, acupuncture usually provides significant relief. Due to its calming effect on the nervous system and ability to decrease the inflammatory response in the body, acupuncture can help with stress management, anxiety, depression, insomnia, allergies, digestive disorders and other ailments associated with high stress.

The following is a list of some of the symptoms, diseases and conditions that are recognized by National Institute of Health (NIH) and World Health Organization (WHO) to be treated effectively by acupuncture and Chinese herbs. If you have a question about a condition you don't see listed below, please give us a call.

Upper Respiratory Tract
Sinusitis, runny nose, cold and flu
Tonsillitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Esophageal spasms, hiccough, stomach prolapse
Gastritis, acid reflux, duodenal ulcer
Colitis, bacterial dysentery, diarrhea, constipation
Mouth Disorders
Toothache, gingivitis, pharyngitis
Mental Emotional Problems
Stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia
Eye Disorders
Macular degeneration, cataracts

Neurological Disorders
Headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia,
Facial palsy, paralysis following a stroke
Peripheral neuropathies, Meniere's disease
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, bedwetting
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica
Low back pain, back and knee pain
Osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue
Sports injuries and pains
Reproductive & Gynecological Conditions
PMS, menstrual cramps, spotting and excessive bleeding, absence of menses, infertility
Impotence, incontinence, prostatitis