Frequently Asked Questions
Our intention is to answer common questions about our services, acupuncture, and what to expect. If you have any additional questions, please feel free reach out to us via the "contact" tab or call the office.
What's to know?
Services
This section will answer questions about the services we provide
What to expect?
This section will answer questions about what to wear? Do needles hurt? How often do I need acupuncture?
Business Side
This section will answer questions about cost, insurance, payment.
Services
What is Community
Style Acupuncture?
Community-Style Acupuncture is experienced in a group setting. At Zen Acupuncture, you will receive treatment while relaxing in a zero-gravity chair alongside other patients. The group atmosphere will create a collective energy that will enhance your healing experience. Patients will come and go during this session, quiet talking is kept to a minimum as not to disturb other patients in the community space. A brief intake is filled out prior to entering the group room, patients will take their seat, and the acupuncturist will be over shortly to start treatment. Points selected will most likely be on the ears, head, arms, hands, legs and/or feet. The goal for this setting is to allow patients to experience the benefits of acupuncture at a more affordable rate.
This style is great for stress relief, depression, anxiety, smoking cessation, addiction, generalized pain, insomnia, and more.
I prefer a private room
for treatment, is this an option?
What is Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture?
Yes! Our practice offers private-room treatments during the week. This is the preferred model for treatment when patients want privacy or when we are treating areas normally covered by clothing. Even though we can treat most issues with distal points (elbows to fingertips and knees to toes), there are many benefits to placing needles in the local area (i.e. placing needles in the lowback for low back pain). Patients are treated in private rooms unless Community-Style Acupuncture is specified.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, sometimes referred to as “acupuncture facelift” or “cosmetic acupuncture” is a timeless beauty technique used in China. For thousands of years, the Chinese have known that beauty comes from the inside. At least as early as the Sung Dynasty (960AD-1270AD), acupuncture rejuvenation practices were administered to the Empress and the Emperor’s concubines. Today, it is an effective non-surgical way to lessen the appearance of fine lines as well as deeper wrinkles and sagging jowls. According to Chinese medicine, it improves circulation of Qi (chi) and blood and stimulates the body’s natural anti-aging powers. It is a rejuvenation and revitalization process designed to help the whole body look and feel younger.
Read our brochure here
When do I chose initial appointment vice follow-up appointment?
If this is your first treatment with either Dr. Eleonora or Dr. Ronald, please select initial acupuncture treatment. This allows the practitioners to complete a thorough initial intake to determine the best treatment plan for each individual patient.
If you have not seen Dr. Eleonora or Dr. Ronald in the last 2 years, please select initial acupuncture treatment. After 2 years, it is important that we update your medical chart and check-in with your current health conditions, concerns and needs.
What to expect
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.
An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the body’s Qi and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity and physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and an effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
What will my Acupuncturist do?
What is the difference between acupuncture and Chinese/East Asian Medicine?
During the initial appointment a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check pulses and your tongue. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis.. After the interview process, you will receive an acupuncture treatment.
Chinese/East Asian Medicine is the umbrella which acupuncture falls under. Traditional Chinese Medicine includes acupuncture but also other modalities such as: Chinese herbs, cupping, tuina (Chinese massage), gua sha, eastern nutrition and qi gong.
How many treatments will I need?
Does acupuncture hurt?
How do I prepare for my upcoming treatment?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.
Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. Your acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.
Acupuncture needles are fine, solid and sterile. They are about the width of a cat's whisker. Most people barely feel the insertion and once the needle is in place, they usually feel nothing at all. Most people feel very relaxed during their sessions and often fall asleep.
We recommend that you eat a light meal/snack about 2hours prior to your appointment. Avoid heavy, fried, rich foods. Wear loose comfortable clothing that allows access to your elbows and just above your knees.
Please avoid recreational drugs and alocohol at least 6 hours prior to your appointment.
Business Questions
Does my insurance cover acupuncture?
Many insurance policies do cover acupuncture care but this office makes no representation that yours does. Insurance policies may vary greatly in terms of deductible and percentage of coverage for acupuncture care. Because of the variance from one insurance policy to another, we require that you, the patient, be personally responsible for the payment of your deductibles, as well as any unpaid balances in this office. If your insurance plan covers out-of-network acupuncture treatment and reimbursement is available, as a courtesy to our patients we will submit all necessary paperwork to your insurance carrier for you. Please check with your insurance company to verify Acupuncture benefits.
What forms of payment does your office accept?
I have Medicare, I thought it pays for back pain?
We accept Cash, Check and Credit Card. If your insurance policy pays for out-of-network acupuncture treatments, we will submit claims on your behalf.
At this time, Medicare (when it is your primary insurance and not a retirement plan from a company) only pays for acupuncture treatments when performed by a Physician (MD). Sounds perplexing to us as well. We encourage all Medicare members to speak with Medicare and request they pay for acupuncture services provided by acupuncturists.