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FAQs

What can acupuncture help with?

Here is a list of things we find acupuncture to be particularly helpful with:

Stress; Anxiety/Depression; Acute and chronic pain; Strains/Sprains; Swelling/Inflammation; Fatigue; Allergies/Asthma/Respiratory problems; Digestive problems; Menstrual problems; PMS Peri-menopausal symptoms; Insomnia; Bell's palsy; Jaw pain; Headaches; Fertility issues; Stimulating labor; Addictions/Cravings; Medication side effects; Side effects of chemo and radiation

For a more comprehensive list suggested by WHO, see Conditions treated

Is Acupuncture Safe? 

Acupuncture is very safe. Only disposable needles are used and discarded properly in sharps containers. Needles are never re-used on patients. Every precaution is taken by the well-trained practitioner to ensure the safety and privacy of every patient.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very fine needles, typically no thicker than a human hair.Acupuncture should not hurt, but you should feel it. Sometimes the needle insertion feels like a quick pinch that rapidly subsides. Some patients report a mild tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a dull ache at the acupuncture point, which is a sensation of qi moving. Many people find acupuncture very relaxing, and many will fall asleep or enter meditative states during the treatment.

What can I expect on my first visit?

Your first visit will be your longest and your most comprehensive. The practitioner will need to assess your overall state of health, identify the root cause of your complaint(s), and then figure out your overall constitution so that the treatment can be customized specifically for you. You will be asked a series of questions about your family health history, your digestion and elimination and a variety of physiological functions. To assist the diagnosis, the practitioner will then feel the pulse of both wrists to determine the width, strength, rate, and quality of the pulse. Additionally, the practitioner will examine your tongue to observe the color, shape, size, and tongue coating. This information will then be combined with any Western tests and a diagnosis will be achieved. The practitioner will then suggest the best course of treatment. For some, acupuncture alone will suffice while for other, the combination of Acupuncture and herbs will be best.

What should I do to prepare for acupuncture?

  • It is best if people are neither hungry nor have a full stomach before having an acupuncture treatment.
  • Loose, comfortable clothing that provides easy access to torso, arms and legs is most desirable.
  • Please do not wear cologne, perfume, or scented lotions. Many people are sensative to smells. Also, please don't wear oils on your skin or hair when you come.
  • Most people fall asleep when they get acupuncture so quiet is appreciated. Along those lines, if you are sensative to sounds you might want to bring earplugs as some people snore.
  • We have blankets and music, but feel free to bring your own blanket and headset with music, if you like.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends upon the severity and duration of your complaint.In general, the more chronic a condition, the longer the course of treatment. For some acute conditions like cold and flu,  one or two treatments can be very helpful.  For more chronic conditions, a longer course of treatment is normally required.  Don’t just try it once or twice and then quit. If you’ve spent years suffering with chronic pain or disease, it’s unreasonable to think it will go away when needles are taken out. The effectiveness need time to accumulate like the medication need time to reach their peak level.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Clove Tree has reserved time and space just for you. If you wish to cancel your appointment, we require at least 24 hour advance notification. Late cancellations or missed appointments will be charged $15.

Does health insurance cover acupuncture?

Many health plans include acupuncture as a benefit. I recommend you call your insurance company to see if your  insurance covers acupuncture. In order to keep the rates as low as possible, I do not bill insurance. If you plan to seek reimbursement, please pay the full amount and I will provide a super bill for you. Then you can submit to your insurance company with claim for refund.