FAQ

Does it hurt?
This is probably the most common question that is asked of an acupuncturist because lets face it, most people are not big fans of needles. Upon insertion sensations range from nothing at all to a mild pinch or prick.  Very few would call it painful. Once the needles are inserted the majority of people feel a deep sense of relaxation throughout the body.  Being that everyone has a different level of sensitivity, I use a wide variety of gauges and styles of needles.  I work with each patient to find the needles that are the most comfortable and suitable for their level of sensitivity and individual condition.  Even the most needle phobic people can enjoy and benefit from acupuncture.

Are the needles safe?
This office uses only pre-sterilized single use needles.

What are your credentials?
I hold a bachelor of science in Biology from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from the New England School of Acupuncture. In Massachussets acupuncturists are liscensed by the Board of Registration in Medicine.  Liscensure is dependant not only on education but also the successful completion of an exam administered by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists.

What are your Acupuncture Fees?

• Initial Consultation $80/Follow up $65.00
• Herbal Medicine (without acupuncture)
  • Initial Consultation $65.00/Follow up $45.00
• Cosmetic Acupuncture
  • Initial Consultation $150.00
  • Follow up $90.00
  • Follow up with customized herbal mask $125.00
  • Cosmetic Acupuncture Series - $950 - 10 sessions of Cosmetic Acupuncture, 5 with Chinese Herbal Masks (Savings of $150.00)

Do you accept insurance?
I do not currently bill insurance companies, but will provide detailed receipts and any additional documentation your doctor or insurance company requests if you wish to attempt to submit for reimbursement.

How many treatments will I need?
The duration of treatment is dependent on many different factors.  In general, the longer a person has had the condition, the longer it will take to treat. After an initial consultation, I talk with each patient about how long I expect the treatment to take, and how frequently I would recommend receiving treatments. For most conditions, I recommend that a person come once a week for 4-6 weeks. Many conditions will resolve within that time, and most others will show definite improvement.

What can acupuncture treat?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete system of medicine just like Western Medicine. A person can go to an acupuncturist for any condition for which one might see a Western physician. That said Western medicine is better suited for certain health issues; Eastern medicine is better suited for other health issues.
 
Coastal acupuncture is a full spectrum acupuncture clinic with a focus on women’s health issues. Other common ailments treated are allergies, tennis elbow/joint pain, insomnia and stress.  Additionally most patients find an overall boost in their immune system and suffer less from colds or the flu.

How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is only one technique in the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Other techniques include Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition, exercise (such as Tai Chi and Chi Gong) and  Tui Na (a form of massage). All of these modalities are based on a view of the human body that is different from our Western model. Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnoses illness based on imbalance in the organ systems and their related energetic pathways (called meridians). Treatment is aimed at rebalancing the energy (or Qi) in those meridians.

From a Western perspective, acupuncture has been shown to induce various physiological responses in the body such as a change in hormone and neurotransmitter levels, blood cell counts, etc.

What happens on my first visit?
The initial appointment lasts approximately an hour and a half. First, we'll talk about your main complaint. Next, we'll go over a complete health history. I'll ask questions -- some may seem "unrelated" to your complaint, but symptoms that appear irrelevant may be significant in determining the overall pattern of imbalance that is causing your problem. Then, I'll answer all of your questions. Next, I'll talk to you about what I think this pattern of imbalance is, and together we'll determine a course of treatment. Treatment will usually involve some combination of acupuncture, recommendations for dietary/ lifestyle modifications and possibly a prescription for Chinese herbal medicine. Together, we'll decide on the number of treatments to begin with and choose a point at which to reevaluate progress.