Is there anything I should do for my first visit?

Treatments are tailored to meet your needs, so not much preparation is needed. Our initial goal will be to talk about your main concerns, assess your current situation, create a plan to meet your goals. Treatment may include taking pulses, looking at your tongue, conversation, acupuncture, cupping. Additionally, we can discuss lab testing possibilities, herb and supplement suggestions and lifestyle suggestions.

Most acupuncture points are below the knees and elbows and around the umbilicus for the front treatment. Wear loose comfortable clothing. I include back treatments regularly. At the end of the treatment, you may be relaxed and happy.

How many sessions will it take?

The frequency varies with each person and depends on the nature of the problem, how long it has been occurring, and your overall health. To begin with, I prefer to see you once a week for three weeks. At the end of the three weeks, we will have a very good idea if more sessions are needed and how many and how often. Many people choose to get acupuncture monthly or seasonally for continued balance and vitality.

Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?

No. Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and involves a whole paradigm for health and wellness utilizing meridians and a balance of energy flow. Training as an acupuncturist is a minimum of a Master’s degree in a 3-4 year program, national board exams, and licensing with continuing education credits required. Dry needling is a Western medicine technique primarily used by physical therapists focusing on trigger points for muscles. Training is often less than 55 hours. Acupuncturists can do trigger points for pain relief but Western medicine practitioners are not trained in Chinese medicine. Currently, the PA law on the legality of dry needling by physical therapists is unclear. Most Physical Therapists do not practice dry needling due to licensing and insurance concerns. Athletic trainers are not allowed to do dry needling in Pennsylvania.

Do you take insurance?

I no longer bill insurance for payment. I am happy to provide a super bill for your submission.