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Does acupuncture work?
How many treatments will it take?
Does acupuncture hurt?
My regular doctor does acupuncture. Why should I see you?
Do you accept insurance?
Does acupuncture work?
YES! In 1997, the NIH (National Institute of Health) published a consensus statement concluding that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of illnesses like post operative pain, asthma, menstrual cramps, and fibromyalgia. In 2003, the WHO (World Health Organization) issued a similar statement, providing lists of over 100 conditions that acupuncture can be helpful in treating. Additionally, according to the Archives of Internal Medicine, 51% of medical doctors understand the value of acupuncture and refer their patients to acupuncture physicians more than any other alternative care provider. The increasing acceptance of acupuncture by the public in addition to the acknowledgment of its efficacy internationally, proves that acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative or adjunct therapy to achieve overall wellness.
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How many treatments will it take?
The short answer is, it depends. Because acupuncture is a holistic medicine that treats the patient as an individual, the number of treatments needed before results are obtained varies from patient to patient and is based on the severity and duration of the condition, as well as the patient's underlying health and constitution. Acupuncture is a cumulative therapy, each treatment building upon the last, and true healing is a process. During your initial evaluation, a treatment plan will be recommended and, during follow-up visits, your progress will be assessed and your treatment plan adjusted accordingly.
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Does acupuncture hurt?
No; in fact, treatments are so relaxing that many patients fall asleep. However, you can experience a variety of different sensations when receiving acupuncture. When the needle is inserted, you may feel a pinch, about like a mosquito bite (the needles are only the width of a human hair, so it is not like the “pinch” you feel when getting a shot). After insertion, you may feel a “qi sensation” which can be described as a dull ache, a slight electric shock, or a tingling and is a signal that your body's energy is responding to the treatment. This should not be painful. Some patients do not experience the sensation at all (this does not mean the treatment is not working). It is important to discuss any sensations you experience with your doctor, so you can have the best possible, most pain free treatment.
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My regular doctor does acupuncture. Why should I see you?
As acupuncture gains in popularity and acceptance, the number of M.Ds, D.Os, and chiropractors offering acupuncture has increased. However, there are important differences in our training. Chiropractors can perform acupuncture with as little as 100 hours of training and M.Ds and D.Os can treat using acupuncture with absolutely no additional training (and are not required to carry malpractice insurance).
Acupuncture Physicians, like Dominic and Carly, are required by the state of Florida to complete a 5 academic year course of study (that's over 4,000 hours of clinical and didactic experience), pass a series of national board exams, and obtain malpractice insurance before a license is issued. In healthcare, there are many different specialties, each requiring special training. While your oral surgeon legally could perform a face lift, you would be more likely to see a board certified plastic surgeon who has the requisite training and experience in that field. For the same reason, if you are interested in receiving the full benefit of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, it makes the most sense to choose a board certified acupuncture physician as your partner in wellness.
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Do you accept insurance?
While we do not directly bill insurance companies, we will supply upon request a coded receipt that can be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement. This helps us keep the total out of pocket cost down for our patients. When calling your insurance company to verify acupuncture coverage, please make sure to ask for out of network benefits.
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