Commonly Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
This is a question I get from nearly every new patient. The needles used in acupuncture are very fine, nothing like the one you might have encountered getting your flu shot! Insertion of the needles is usually painless. After each insertion, you may feel a dull throb or a tingle, which is normal and not cause for concern. Often, once the needles are placed, you will forget that they are there and not feel them at all.
Does your office accept insurance?
I am an in-network provider for Aetna, Allways, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Tufts, and United Health Care. Each insurance plan has specific benefits, so it is important for us to verify your coverage. Please complete this form at least 24 hours prior to your first visit. I will contact you once I am able to confirm your benefits.
Do you re-use needles?
No. Only sterile, stainless steel, single-use needles are used as required by Massachusetts law. After each treatment, needles are properly disposed of in a biohazard sharps container.
What can I expect at my initial appointment?
An initial treatment involves an evaluation, treatment, and follow-up planning. Evaluation: Prior to your appointment you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire. When you arrive, we will review your responses and I will ask you some additional questions about the reason you are seeking treatment (your primary concern) and other aspects of your health. We will talk about your pain and your digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems, as well as elements of your lifestyle including nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Treatment: Once we have completed the evaluation, you will get settled in a treatment room. I will then take your pulse, look at your tongue, and insert needles at various points on your body including face, ears, arms, legs, and back. Once all of the needles are placed, I will make sure you are comfortable and then leave you to spend 20–30 minutes relaxing on the table. This is a perfect opportunity to rest your eyes, take a nap, or meditate. Follow-up Planning: After your 20–30-minute treatment, I will return to remove the needles. We will then meet at the front desk to discuss a treatment plan, including any lifestyle changes or recommended supplements, and schedule follow-up appointments.
How long is a typical acupuncture appointment?
Including the consultation and the time it takes to insert and remove the needles, you can expect to be at the office for about 60 minutes for a normal visit. Of that time, you spend approximately 20–30 minutes laying comfortably on the treatment table in a quiet, tranquil room. Many times, patients find this part so relaxing they end up enjoying a short nap. Your first visit will be a bit longer, around 75 minutes, to allow us ample time to review your health questionnaire and determine a treatment plan.
How will I feel after the treatment?
Most patients report that they feel pleasantly relaxed after treatment and that they notice some degree of change in their symptoms within 36 hours.
Do I need to fast before a treatment?
You should try to eat a light snack and drink water before the treatment, as it will prevent you from feeling drowsy afterwards. Avoid heavy meals within an hour of your appointment to improve your comfort.
Who will administer the treatment?
At Silver Leaf Acupuncture, I am currently the sole acupuncturist. I am fully licensed and certified by the Massachusetts Board of Medicine. I hold a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) degree from the New England School of Acupuncture and a Diplomat of Oriental Medicine (Dipl. OM.) Licensed acupuncturists are trained and certified to administer treatments such as acupuncture, tui na massage, cupping, gua sha, and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
What do I wear during an acupuncture treatment?
Please wear loose comfortable clothing to your appointment that allow access to your knees and elbows. Most treatments can be done fully clothed as long as your legs and arms are exposed to this degree. Depending on the points we need to access for your particular concerns, you may need to remove articles of clothing. If this is necessary, you will be draped with a sheet for your comfort.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and we encourage acupuncture during the first trimester to prevent miscarriage and relieve symptoms including morning sickness, fatigue, constipation, and headaches. During your second and third trimester, acupuncture can provide great relief for hip and back pain, heartburn and indigestion, restless legs, and insomnia. Acupuncture can also be used between 32–36 weeks to help turn breech babies, and during the last week of pregnancy to prepare for labor. There are certain specific points that are avoided throughout pregnancy for the safety of the baby.
How many treatments will I need?
ACUTE: If you are seeking treatment for an acute concern that has developed within the last six months, it is reasonable to expect to schedule 5 treatments. CHRONIC PAIN: If your concern is chronic and you have been dealing it with it for over 6 months, then you can expect to schedule 5–10 treatments. I find it helps to think of it this way: if your pain or other difficulty developed over many years, in order to find true relief we would need to devote time to allow your body heal to “unlearn” the negative way it's been acting. Acupuncture is like antibiotics where it's beneficial to finish the course of treatments. Being prescribed antibiotics, it's important to finish them all and not stop in the middle of the treatment because you risk the infection to come back. After each treatment, you will be asked to note any changes in your symptoms. For example, if your primary concern is lower back pain you might report back about the pain’s intensity, location, and frequency. Through this process, you not only become a partner in your wellness, but also increase your physical and emotional self-awareness.