Wandering Roots Acupuncture
828-354-3366
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Does it hurt?
Great question... and the most common. It shouldn’t hurt! Each person is unique, but most people feel a small poke when the needle is inserted, while others don't feel anything at all! You may feel a warming sensation or mild ache at the insertion site, but you should not feel pain. If you do, say something so your treatment can be adjusted. Once the needles are in and adjusted, most people simply feel deeply relaxed. Some patients even fall asleep!
How big are the needles?
Acupuncture needles vary in size and your treatment can be adjusted to use what is most comfortable for you. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and are sometimes even more fine than a strand of hair. If you’re used to hollow hypodermic needles you’ll be pleasantly surprised by acupuncture needles. In fact, several acupuncture needles can fit inside one of those hypodermic needles. I’ve seen many patients with a fear of needles and feel confident I can create a comfortable experience for you.
What if I don't believe in acupuncture?
You don’t have to! I’ll believe for the both of us. Seriously though, acupuncture isn’t a religion or a unicorn. It’s a medical practice with evidence-based studies proving its effectiveness. It may be different than anything you have tried before, but I believe your experience will speak for itself.
How soon will I see results?
This is a tough one! Everybody is different just as every condition is different. I’ve seen patients get total relief from chronic back pain in one treatment and I’ve seen it take up to eight treatments to help another patient with back pain. This can be discouraging, or even frustrating. Many of us are used to seeing a doctor and getting medication that eases our condition nearly instantly… but in many cases you have to keep taking that medication or deal with unwanted side effects to continue feeling better. Chinese medicine treats the root of your pain and discomfort naturally. If your body has established that pain is normal, it may take several treatments to convince your body that pain is not normal and something needs to change. Healing can be gradual and slow, or fast and easy. My goal is to help you see progress and feel better to the best of your body’s ability.
My friend tried acupuncture and said it didn’t work. Why not?
Sometimes I hear this from people. When I ask more about it, I discover that the person usually only had one treatment. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works differently than western medicine. We’re allowing your body to heal itself naturally. This process may take longer than you’re used to, but the results are longer lasting as your body is being strengthened and protected against future attacks. Additionally, there are no harmful side effects to deal with. I recommend that you be prepared for 6-10 treatments. It could always take fewer or more treatments, but this is a good place to start. (see “How soon will I see results?”)
Does my insurance cover acupuncture?
More and more insurance policies are covering acupuncture. Wandering Roots makes no assumptions that yours does. Some policies allow you to submit Superbills for reimbursement or will cover visits using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Please check with your insurance provider to see if options exist for you. I am happy to provide invoices or Superbills.
What is qi?
As humans we feel good when our emotions are balanced, our blood is flowing smoothly, our energy level is good, our appetite is healthy, our sleep is deep, and we are pain free. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we refer to this as the smooth flow of qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is the energy, or life force, that flows throughout our bodies, connecting our physical and emotional bodies. When our qi is disrupted or damaged it causes our body discomfort, pain, and illness. Acupuncture works to adjust the flow of qi in a way that allows the body to heal itself naturally, as it’s designed to do.
What is community acupuncture?
Community acupuncture was created as a way for communities to heal together while making acupuncture more affordable. Patients are treated in a group setting while relaxing in reclining chairs. This style of acupuncture means you do not get a private room or private consultation (other patients may overhear conversations since everyone is in the same room).
Community acupuncture is not being offered at this time.