Frequently Asked Questions
How many treatments will I need and how often?
The number of treatments varies depending on how severe and long-standing the condition is, and the underlying health of the individual. 5-12 weekly sessions is a common course of treatment for many but not all conditions. Since acupuncture works on a cumulative basis, it is best to schedule appointments close together initially (1-2 per week), and then taper down over time. The addition of herbal therapy to a treatment plan generally allows for a faster recovery with fewer acupuncture treatments. We will discuss the best course of treatment for you after your first visit.
How long does an acupuncture session last?
The initial visit lasts 90 minutes and involves an extended interview and pulse intake as well as an acupuncture treatment. We offer 60 or 30 minute follow-up sessions that include a short interview and a lengthier treatment. The amount of time that the needles are in depends on the condition and the individual, but is usually 20-30 minutes.
How many needles are used in a typical treatment?
The number of needles used ranges from 4 to 20, depending on the individual and condition.
Are there other therapies used besides needle acupuncture?
Yes. We regularly utilize cupping, guasha, moxibustion, massage, and herbal therapy with our patients. These therapies can be used in addition to acupuncture, or instead of acupuncture if the patient is uncomfortable with needles.
Can I receive acupuncture in conjunction with other therapies?
Definitely. Patients often receive acupuncture in addition to massage, physical therapy, and conventional medical treatment from their primary care physician. Acupuncture and herbs can also be combined with drug therapy as needed. Please communicate all therapies you are receiving to your acupuncturist as well as your other healthcare practitioners, so that we can make sure your treatment plan is safe and appropriate for you.
Are acupuncture needles reused?
No, acupuncture needles are never reused in our clinic. We only use sterile, single-use, disposable needles.
What training do acupuncturists receive?
Acupuncturists complete a four-year Masters program in addition to their undergraduate training and pre-med requirements. Additionally, they must pass four board exams to become licensed by the state and nationally board-certified. In order to retain licensure, acupuncturists must complete continuing education each year, and remain in good-standing with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the state licensing organization.
Throughout our schooling at OCOM, we were trained in both Western and Eastern medicine, and completed over 3500 hours of coursework, and over 700 internship hours in acupuncture, herbs, and bodywork at high volume clinics. Dara also pursued specialized training outside of school in pulse diagnosis and shiatsu, and Ben pursued specialized training in sports medicine, shiatsu, and tuina.
Does health insurance pay for acupuncture?
Nationally, more insurance companies are now offering coverage for acupuncture. The likelihood that an insurance company will cover acupuncture varies significantly state by state, and conditions and number of treatments covered varies by insurance plan. To find out if your insurance plan covers acupuncture, please speak with your insurance representative, or call our office for help assessing your benefits.
We are not currently in network with insurance companies in Idaho, but are happy to provide a superbill for you to submit to your carrier and receive reimbursement directly.
What does acupuncture treat?
Traditional East Asian Medicine is a complete and comprehensive medical system, and therefore can be utilized to treat a wide variety of conditions, alone or in conjunction with other types of healthcare. Acupuncture is well known as a unique and powerful tool for treating pain, but acupuncture and other traditional medicine modalities can also be used to treat many internal conditions.
Common conditions treated include but are not limited to:
How many treatments will I need and how often?
The number of treatments varies depending on how severe and long-standing the condition is, and the underlying health of the individual. 5-12 weekly sessions is a common course of treatment for many but not all conditions. Since acupuncture works on a cumulative basis, it is best to schedule appointments close together initially (1-2 per week), and then taper down over time. The addition of herbal therapy to a treatment plan generally allows for a faster recovery with fewer acupuncture treatments. We will discuss the best course of treatment for you after your first visit.
How long does an acupuncture session last?
The initial visit lasts 90 minutes and involves an extended interview and pulse intake as well as an acupuncture treatment. We offer 60 or 30 minute follow-up sessions that include a short interview and a lengthier treatment. The amount of time that the needles are in depends on the condition and the individual, but is usually 20-30 minutes.
How many needles are used in a typical treatment?
The number of needles used ranges from 4 to 20, depending on the individual and condition.
Are there other therapies used besides needle acupuncture?
Yes. We regularly utilize cupping, guasha, moxibustion, massage, and herbal therapy with our patients. These therapies can be used in addition to acupuncture, or instead of acupuncture if the patient is uncomfortable with needles.
Can I receive acupuncture in conjunction with other therapies?
Definitely. Patients often receive acupuncture in addition to massage, physical therapy, and conventional medical treatment from their primary care physician. Acupuncture and herbs can also be combined with drug therapy as needed. Please communicate all therapies you are receiving to your acupuncturist as well as your other healthcare practitioners, so that we can make sure your treatment plan is safe and appropriate for you.
Are acupuncture needles reused?
No, acupuncture needles are never reused in our clinic. We only use sterile, single-use, disposable needles.
What training do acupuncturists receive?
Acupuncturists complete a four-year Masters program in addition to their undergraduate training and pre-med requirements. Additionally, they must pass four board exams to become licensed by the state and nationally board-certified. In order to retain licensure, acupuncturists must complete continuing education each year, and remain in good-standing with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the state licensing organization.
Throughout our schooling at OCOM, we were trained in both Western and Eastern medicine, and completed over 3500 hours of coursework, and over 700 internship hours in acupuncture, herbs, and bodywork at high volume clinics. Dara also pursued specialized training outside of school in pulse diagnosis and shiatsu, and Ben pursued specialized training in sports medicine, shiatsu, and tuina.
Does health insurance pay for acupuncture?
Nationally, more insurance companies are now offering coverage for acupuncture. The likelihood that an insurance company will cover acupuncture varies significantly state by state, and conditions and number of treatments covered varies by insurance plan. To find out if your insurance plan covers acupuncture, please speak with your insurance representative, or call our office for help assessing your benefits.
We are not currently in network with insurance companies in Idaho, but are happy to provide a superbill for you to submit to your carrier and receive reimbursement directly.
What does acupuncture treat?
Traditional East Asian Medicine is a complete and comprehensive medical system, and therefore can be utilized to treat a wide variety of conditions, alone or in conjunction with other types of healthcare. Acupuncture is well known as a unique and powerful tool for treating pain, but acupuncture and other traditional medicine modalities can also be used to treat many internal conditions.
Common conditions treated include but are not limited to:
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Musculoskeletal Problems
Sprains and Strains Tendonitis Injuries to the Labra, Meniscii, or Intervertebral Discs Pre and Post Surgery Support Respiratory Illnesses Asthma Allergies Bronchitis Common Cold Psycho-emotional Issues Stress Anxiety Low Mood Sleep Disturbances Women’s Health Menstrual Irregularities PMS Infertility Menopause Pregnancy Support Men’s Health Erectile Dysfunction Prostatic Hyperplasia |
Digestive Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Frequent Indigestion GERD Low Appetite Genito-urinary Disorders UTIs Interstitial Cystitis Frequent Urination Vulvodynia Autoimmune Conditions Rheumatoid Arthritis Lyme’s Disease Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Dermatological Issues Dermatitis Eczema Rosacea Acne Endocrine Disorders PCOS Hypo or hyperthyroid Adrenal fatigue Cancer Support |