FAQs

According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey–the largest and most comprehensive survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by American adults to date–an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults had ever used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year.

No. Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair and patients often do not even feel them when they are inserted. At most you may feel a brief pinch when they go in. After the needles are placed a patient will experience a sensation referred to as the arrival of qi or “de qi”. This is generally a dull or heavy sensation with other possible sensations including fullness, movement of energy in the meridian, warmth or coolness at the point. Proper arrival of qi sensations are sometimes perceived as unusual for the first-time patient but are not painful. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing, so much that many fall asleep during their treatment and remark that they leave the clinic feeling calm, collected and grounded.

At Middle Path Acupuncture Clinic we allow 90 minutes for the initial session that includes gathering a detailed health history, physical exam– if necessary– diagnosis and acupuncture treatment. Follow-up appointments generally take 45 to 60 minutes.

When performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. Each point on the body is first swiped with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball to clean dirt and oil from the skin prior to inserting needles. Today all licensed acupuncturists, in accordance with The California State Acupuncture Board’s requirements, use individually packaged, sterile, single-use disposable needles. So, in short, there is virtually no chance of infection or contagion.

The most commonly noted side effect is relaxation and a sense of calm and wellbeing. Occasionally upon removal of needles, a point may shed a drop of blood. Very rarely do points bruise or have a temporary, mild swelling after treatment.

Yes. Anyone can benefit from an acupuncture treatment as part of a health maintenance program. Living as we do in a noisy, fast-paced society, the effects of environmental stresses alone tend to build up over time. Acupuncture is an effective way to rebalance the body and reverse the effects of these stresses. Just as you would go to your general practitioner for a check up, you can come for seasonal acupuncture treatments as a sort of “tune up” to stay healthy with the seasonal changes and prevent getting sick.

Visiting an acupuncturist is not unlike visiting any other health professional. You will receive forms to fill out covering your current and past medical history, questions about your diet and lifestyle and a consent form. During the interview you will be asked questions relating to the nature of your health status. What makes an acupuncture exam different is the detailed examination of the tongue and feeling of the pulses located at both wrists. These examinations both reveal information about your overall state of health. After diagnosis, you will be lead to the treatment room where you will lie down to receive an acupuncture treatment tailored to your body’s needs that day. Most treatments involve the insertion of anywhere from a few to a dozen needles into specific acupuncture points on the surface of the body. They are generally left in place for 15 to 30 minutes while you rest.

On your first treatment, if you are taking any supplements or pharmaceutical medications, bring a list of those with you.
It is not usually necessary to undress as most of the commonly used acupuncture points are located between the elbows and the hands and from the knees to the feet. It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. If loose clothing cannot be worn, then we encourage you to bring a pair of shorts to change into.
Please arrive after eating a normal, substantial meal. We strongly discourage coming to your appointment on a totally empty stomach.
To allow the effects of treatment to sink in and receive maximum benefit, we recommend you do your best to not engage in any stressful activity after an acupuncture treatment.

I bill many insurance companies for my patients’ treatments. Because each plan with each health insurance company is different, my office will call to check how much acupuncture is covered under your specific plan and do all the billing for your treatments.

This varies from person to person and depends on the condition an individual is seeking treatment for and how long he or she has had it. Some people get complete relief from a single session, while, more commonly, a series of treatments may be necessary to get the desired results. Generally, patients will feel noticeable results after four treatments.