Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile, single-use needles into set points throughout the body. Each point has specific actions that help the body reach harmony when activated. The insertion of needles can release muscular trigger points, communicate with the central nervous system, interrupt pain signals and trigger an immune response which promotes healing.
What Does It Feel Like?
While most will not experience a feeling of “pain”, one may experience a heaviness, tingling, warmth, pull, or slight ache at the insertion point. This is normal and simply means that the point has been activated. Sometimes there is no feeling at the insertion point which is okay, too. For those who are needle-phobic, we can discuss this and work within your comfort zone as well as use alternate modalities such as acupressure.
Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
We do accept insurance and if you have coverage, we will bill it for you! Many policies include acupuncture coverage and we would be happy to verify your benefits for you. We ask that you give us your insurance information at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. We are in-network with Optum (which includes United Healthcare and UMR), American Specialty Health Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Medicaid and Tricare do not currently cover acupuncture treatments, and acupuncturists can not be Medicare providers at this time.
Many patients are able to use debit cards linked to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for acupuncture treatments. Workman’s Compensation and personal injury will often times provide 100% coverage as will many automobile accident policies.
Can Veterans Receive Treatments?
Yes, with prior authorization through the VA community care programs.
These programs are designed to improve timely access to healthcare for Veterans by allowing Veterans to use approved health care providers outside of the VA. TriWest administers the Veterans Choice Program in Arizona, but referrals must come directly from your VA Provider. You can ask your VA provider for a referral to our office with authorization through the choice programs.
What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture encourages the body’s own ability to heal, so it can assist in the treatment of most conditions. The most common conditions that we see in clinic are migraine headaches, neck pain, back pain, sciatica, joint pain & arthritis, anxiety & depression as well as gynecological issues. Acupuncture can benefit neurological, psychological, hormonal, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, digestive and reproductive conditions. If you are wondering if acupuncture can help your specific condition give us a call or send us an email and we would be happy to discuss it with you.
Will The Herbal Formulas Interact With Any Medications I Am Taking?
The majority of the time there are no conflicts and some patients are even able to reduce their medications while under doctors supervision. There are specific types of medications that do have documented interactions so we will make sure we know what you’re taking before we begin any herbal therapies.
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a technique that uses suction either from a glass cup to relieve muscle pain and tension.The suction draws fresh blood into the muscles and as the blood flow increases, the tissue gets more nutrients and oxygen. This helps with stiffness, scar tissue and muscle cramps. The better the blood flow, the more efficiently the muscles can function and heal.
Cupping For Back Pain
Migraine Relief
"I have had migraine headaches a few a week my whole life, and I had tried acupuncture in the past with mixed results. When I learned my insurance covered it, I thought I would give it another go and I am so glad I did! I have been coming for 2 months and I haven't had a migraine in weeks! I can't convey how life-changing this is!"
*Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors (full disclaimer)