F.A.Q.’s

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is very safe. In Massachusetts, acupuncturists are required as a condition of licensure to use only sterile, disposable needles and to follow Clean Needle Technique. The FDA classifies acupuncture needles as medical devices, and acupuncturists must be licensed by the state Board of Medicine. Acupuncturists receive over 3,000 hours of training. Acupuncturists in our clinic who treat children have completed specialized internships in pediatrics.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Insurance plans vary. Some plans cover acupuncture, especially for pain conditions. Check with your insurance plan. Acupuncturists in our clinic are providers for several plans, and patients with insurance through those plans receive a discount for treatment.

Can I or my child take Chinese herbs when taking other medications?

Most people who are taking western medications can be simultaneously treated with herbs. Your practitioner will review your medications. For medications that are not a good fit with Chinese herbs, your practitioner will make other recommendations for treatment.

How many treatments will be needed?

It depends on the condition being treated, the length of time you have been experiencing symptoms prior to starting treatment, and the severity of the condition. In general, clients often start to feel the benefits from acupuncture in 2-3 treatments. Chronic conditions will take longer to resolve. Acute conditions can sometimes be resolved rapidly, in just a few treatments. We typically see clients once a week for acupuncture and less frequently for herbal medicine. However, acute conditions may require more frequent treatment in the first few weeks.

What should I do to prepare for the treatment?

Eat before the treatment (within 3 hours is sufficient). Wear loose clothing that can be rolled up above knees and elbows. Bring any relevant medical records and, if preferred, fill out your own or your child’s medical history in advance of your appointment.

My child is afraid of needles. Will the treatment hurt?

Children who are already afraid of needles can be introduced to acupuncture slowly, so that needles are initially inserted into areas of the body that are least sensitive to stimulation. Acupuncture needles are solid and very thin. They do not feel like a hypodermic needle, are inserted very shallowly, and when inserted by an experienced practitioner often produce very little uncomfortable sensation. In fact, many children find acupuncture sensations quite pleasant, and report warmth, pleasant buzzing, or even the sensation of water moving through their bodies.

For children whose needle fears are pronounced, we can utilize non-insertion techniques. Small tools that tap or stimulate the points can be used instead of needles. Also, we sometimes use acupressure in place of needle insertion.

My child is not going to take herbs. He/she won’t like the taste.

We have many options when prescribing herbs. Some come in capsule form; some are prepared as liquids that can be mixed with juices. Often, we will use topical treatment with essential oils to get the benefit of herbal medicine without ingestion. We will collaborate with you to devise an approach to prescribing herbal medicine that will work for your family and your child’s responses to medicinals.