Frequently Asked Questions
Are the needles safe?
The needles are disposable, used only once, thrown away immediately after use in disposable containers and come prepackaged and sterile.
Do the needles hurt?
There is usually a sensation of a "hook" when the needle goes in and connects to the underlying electrical grid. It might create a mild "traveling" sensation, one of coolness or warmth, sometimes a quick "electric" shock or nothing at all. Once the needle is in place, there is no more sensation and the treatments are usually very relaxing, accompanied by soft music, offering an opportunity for deep relaxation.
I am afraid of needles. Is acupuncture still an option for me?
Most people find that the initial fear of needles quickly abates and that they can relax as they get used to the process of acupuncture. In some cases, due to past traumas or for other unknown reasons, the fear might be overwhelming and cause too much tension and resistance.
In such cases, Kwan Yin Medicine offers the option of an "Acutron" treatment, in the form of very low vibrational electrical stimulation, using probes and pads on specific points and areas. Although the technique is different, it is also quite effective for the treatment of pain and various conditions addressed by acupuncture. Acutron treatments are especially helpful for children who fear needles.
What conditions can acupuncture address?
Chinese and Oriental Medicine are over 2000 years old and existed well before the advent of today's technology. The doctors of ancient times did not choose the diseases their patients ought to have and therefore addressed all kinds of acute and chronic conditions, resorting to acupuncture, herbal remedies, compresses or whatever was needed.
Although acupuncture is well-known for the treatment of body pain such as lower back pain or sciatica, the World Health Organization has identified over 30 diseases that lend themselves to treatment with acupuncture, including allergies, chronic fatigue, chemical dependence, headaches, indigestion etc. Acupuncture can treat or help in the treatment of acute as well as chronic conditions.
Acupuncture is also a wonderful and very effective tool for prevention as part of a health maintenance program. It is also very helpful as an adjunct treatment for cancer, very effectively relieving side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
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What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to complete a patient health form as well as an informed consent form, both of which may be downloaded on this site and sent beforehand. Bring any medical records pertaining to your present conditions as well as a list of all the medications and/or supplements you are taking.
How long is the initial appointment?
A first appointment lasts about one hour and a half.
How long is a follow-up visit?
A follow-up acupuncture visit lasts about one hour. A nutritional or macrobiotic consultation may last from two to three hours depending on your starting point.
What method of payments do you accept?
Check or cash. Kwan Yin Medicine is not yet set up for credit cards.
Costs:
Initial acupuncture/Chinese Medicine consultation: $85
Follow-up: $65
Children's initial consultation: $45
Follow-up: $35
Ten treatments may be purchased in advance for $600 (after initial treatment), to be used within 12 months.
Macrobiotic or nutritional counseling fees: $150 for two hours or $225 for three hours.
Phone consultations are possible for nutritional counseling and after-treatment guidance.
Fees:
Sliding scale fees are available to respond to need and situations of financial stress. Please call our office to discuss your needs in confidentiality.
Cancellation Fee:
Please give us a 24 hour notice. We charge $20 for cancellation without notice. Thank you for your understanding of this policy.
Do you accept/file insurance?
We are happy to provide you with extra invoice copies or acupuncture codes as needed for you to file with your insurance company but we do not file for insurance ourselves. Please check with your insurance provider about coverage for acupuncture. Some programs may require referral from an allopathic physician before they accept to cover for treatment.
