Frequently Asked Questions


What is acupuncture?
How does acupuncture work?
Is acupuncture safe?
What can acupuncture do for me?
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
What criteria should I use in choosing an acupuncturist?
How many treatments will I need?
Do Acupuncturists only insert needles?
How many needles are used and does bleeding occur?
Can I have Acupuncture during pregnancy?
Does acupuncture hurt?
Are there any precautions to be observed on the day of your treatment?
What will I expect after the treatment?
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
How much will treatments cost?
Can acupuncture help me stop smoking?
What is Hypnosis?
How does hypnosis work?
Who can be hypnotized?
Is hypnosis dangerous?
What can hypnosis do for me?

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of ancient medical treatment that has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for more than 5,000 years. It is based on regulating the body’s “Qi” or “life energy” which flows in the body along pathways called meridians. Acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile and single use, solid, hair thin needles through the skin and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

How does acupuncture work?

The flow of “Qi” can be disturbed by a number of factors. This include emotional states such as anger, fear, grief or stress, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons, strain and trauma. By inserting the needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. This new-found balance alters body chemicals, affect the body’s natural electromagnetic fields and encourage the return to good health.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. Since acupuncture does not involve the use of drug it is avoid your risk of side effects and dependency. The needles are individually packaged, sterilized and disposable so there is no chance of infection. They are solid and nothing is injected through them.

What can acupuncture do for me?

Acupuncture can be used to treat specific condition, alleviate symptoms and reduce complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) recognize the conditions listed here as being effectively treated to full recovery or as palliative care by acupuncture, either as a primary or complementary treatment. For chronic or long-term disorders, acupuncture can be used to reduce discomfort and pain, improve general well being, reduce the side effects of some drugs, and eliminate the need for medication or surgery. Acupuncture can also be used as a preventative treatment by detecting body’s imbalances before illness occur.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for
it to work?

Acupuncture is effective whether or not you believe in it. The proof comes from the positive results seen after treatment on animals who do not understand or believe in the process that help them to get better. Even a neutral attitude will not block acupuncture treatment results.

What criteria should I use in choosing
an acupuncturist?

Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated health care profession in more than 40 states in the United States, so Medical Board certification is essential. This will assure the patient is in the hands of a competent professional. Equally as important is experience. Ask your practitioners if they are certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists (NCCAOM).

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the nature of the complaint. Acute conditions such as a sore throat or athletic injury may need only two or three treatments. Chronic conditions normally require more. In China acupuncturists generally prescribe one or more courses of treatment. A course of treatment may be from three to ten treatments. It is best to consult with your practitioner to determine exactly what your condition requires.

Do Acupuncturists only insert needles?

No, acupuncture is only one part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Your practitioner may use an acupressure instead of needles or may apply cupping, electric stimulation of the acupoints, massage, magnetotherapy or moxibustion. Moxibustion involves the burning of the herb Artemisia Vulgaris above affected areas to warm them

How many needles are used and does bleeding occur?

The number of needles used depends on the nature of the condition being treated and the acupuncturist’s style or school. Usually only a small number of needles are used and bleeding does not usually occur, as the needles are extremely fine. If the area that is needled has a rich blood supply there may be a few drops of blood.

Can I have acupuncture during pregnancy?

Yes, acupuncture can be used to safely treat complications such as nausea and morning sickness, and to assist during birth. Your Acupuncturist will support you throughout your pregnancy, advising on appropriate nutrition and offering treatments if needed. It is important to tell your acupuncturist if you are or may be pregnant.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Not really. Once the needles have been placed, you might feel a dull or a tingling sensation which indicate that the point has been accurately located, and only lasts for a second or two. Some people don’t feel anything, but even if you don’t feel much, you are benefiting from treatment. As a matter of fact, some people find acupuncture so relaxing that they fall asleep during treatment and enjoy a well-deserved nap.

Are there any precautions to be observed on the day of your treatment?

To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

  • Avoid cold and iced drinks, as well as cool food in the day of the treatment.
  • Do not eat spicy food or an unusually large meal before or after your treatment.
  • Do not take a shower for at least two hours after treatment.
  • Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activities, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
  • Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to work at top performance.
  • Continue to take any prescription medications as prescribed by your physician.

What will I expect after the treatment?

Generally a feeling of well-being, relaxation and stress relief is experienced. There may be total or partial relief from the initial symptoms. Sometimes within the first twenty-four hours there is an exacerbation of symptoms but this gradually wears off and the condition then improves noticeably. The initial pain relief may last or it may wear off after a few days. Follow up treatments will extend this period of pain relief until the condition is resolved. Most patients will feel totally relaxed and enjoy a good night’s sleep, waking up with a new energy.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Sometimes. It is depends on your individual carrier and policy. The AcupunctChi Clinic is credentialed with the ACN Group (part of United Health insurance) and is a registered provider of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. It is also covered after motor vehicle accidents with written referral from your physician. Several insurance providers offer compensation for Acupuncture Therapy, such as UNI-CARE, C.A.M. Network, Healthways Whole Health Networks, United Health, Medical Mutual, Aetna, and Kaiser Permanente.

You may want to contact your insurance provider for any reimbursement questions or concerns, as policies are increasingly seeing the value of acupuncture and adding programs for compensation and/or coverage.

How much will treatments cost?

Compared to the cost of Traditional Western Medicine and pharmacological products the costs of alternative medicine treatments are relatively low. For a specific rate quote, call our office and we would be happy to discuss this with you.

Can acupuncture help me stop smoking?

Yes. Acupuncture can help a person who is ready and motivated to quit smoking. We have a unique stop-smoking program that combines acupuncture and guided imagery/hypnosis to help you quit smoking.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind. It is a heightened state of awareness where incredible changes can be made in the way a person thinks and is a completely natural path from conscious to subconscious mind. Sleep is a state of rest, so you are not asleep while in hypnosis.

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis is defined as the bypass of the critical factor of the conscious mind and establishment of acceptable selective thinking. It relaxes the conscious mind and opens the subconscious mind to the point that suggestion can be accepted. Once the suggestion is accepted and agreed on by the hypnotized person, it then becomes a stable and strong pillar in that person’s belief system.

Who can be hypnotized?

Absolutely everyone! There is not a person in this world that cannot be hypnotized.
What you need is an open mind, reasonable intelligence, the ability to concentrate, and the willingness to be hypnotized.

Is hypnosis dangerous?

There has never been a documented case of danger or harm coming to anyone from the therapeutic use of hypnotism. The harm is that hypnosis is not used enough as a gift that was given to us to improve the way we live.

What can hypnosis do for me?

It can be used for anything a person can imagine: insomnia, stress, confidence, sports improvement, losing weight, and quitting bad habits. Hypnosis is an alternative and complementary method of treatment for change. If you have symptoms such as tensions, fears, depression, chronic fatigue, or feel unhappy, irritable, and believe you are not getting the most out of life, then hypnosis is for you.