Frequently Asked Questions
1). What does the actual treatment look/feel like?
In Five-Element Acupuncture, we use very thin, fine single use sterilized needles and stimulate certain points on the body to strengthen the Chi. This can stimulate and remove energy blockages which affect all the meridians that flow along the surface of our body and connect with our inner organs.
Besides needles, we use moxibustion (moxa) which is the burning of a dried herb – Artemisia vulgaris, also known as Mugwort. We roll the herb into tiny cones placed on the acupuncture point, lit by an incense stick which warms up the point before needling it. (It is removed before the lit cone reaches the skin.) Moxa is another way to stimulate and warm the Chi. Most clients find moxa to be very pleasant and soothing.
In Five-Element acupuncture, it is rare to leave needles in. We usually insert a needle to just below skin level, turn it 1/4 turn and remove. It is very quick and painless. I am always in the treatment room with you, never leaving you alone.
Treatments last approximately 60-75 minutes. There is a brief check-in conversation before the needle treatment. People find treatment to be very relaxing and quite therapeutic.
2). Is acupuncture safe?
Yes! Very safe.
- Acupuncture is a very safe and effective modality of medicine. It has been practiced for thousands of years and is the oldest form of medicine practiced.
- Clean, single use sterile needles, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are used, by law. Practitioners are required to complete a 4 year master program and pass three National Board Exams. They are also required to be certified with the State.
- It is widely known by insurance companies that Acupuncture practices are easy to insure because of the compliance and safely level.
- Acupuncture has been researched and acknowledged by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for many symptoms.
3). Does Acupuncture hurt?
The needles are the width of a human hair. It is never painful, at most it is uncomfortable. Most patients report sensing nothing at all or just a mild sensation when the needle is inserted.
4). What is Acupuncture good for?
Classical Five-Element Acupuncture is good for many disharmonies and illnesses. It is also very supportive of emotional difficulties and mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. There are no limits to the health issues that Five-Element Acupuncture can support and either treat or improve. The body is the healer, if we bring it back to a state of balance.
Acupuncture is widely known to relieve pain, and the effects of acupuncture include improved health for those suffering with chronic illness whether physical or mental. When the Acupuncturist attends to underlying problems, symptoms often disappear. To use a simple example, aspirin addresses a mild headache by masking the pain. Over time, the headache abates by itself, regardless of the aspirin. Acupuncture, by contrast, addresses the blocked Chi that caused the headache. With the source of the headache removed, the pain vanishes.
The best way to receive the benefits of acupuncture is to use it preventively. By keeping your energy in balance, your body can remain vital and healthy BEFORE the dis-harmony settles in and causes other problems. Getting started now, no matter the health state you are experiencing, is a great positive step towards prevention and health.
5). Do You Take Insurance?
I do not take insurance, however, I’m happy to provide a ‘super bill’ (statement of payment/treatments received) which you can submit to your provider if acupuncture is covered. You may also use your HSA account for payment.
6). Does it work with traditional western medicine?
Of course. Where would we be without western medicine when we need it? Western medicine doesn’t have all the answers all the time, as no modality does. This medicine can be very profound and has no “side effects”. In fact, people have been able to get off many of their medications after acupuncture treatment (working in conjunction with their doctor). I work with your medical doctors and providers.
Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other care you are receiving. If you have a medical emergency, please contact your personal physician or an emergency service facility. Also, please inform your acupuncture practitioner of any such occurrence.
7). How does the treatment process work?
After the intake appointment, it is recommended that you return weekly for a 60-75 minute treatment for approximately 6 weeks or until the treatments are ‘sticking’ and we are seeing the progress we are looking for. You will feel it and ‘know’ when we can start spreading out treatments to two weeks, then three, then monthly. Many people come for preventative treatments monthly or even seasonally once health is restored.
8). What form of payments do you take?
I take credit cards, checks, or cash.
9). What is your address? Hours?
My current address is:
400 East Simpson St, Suite g8, Lafayette, CO 80026 in Lafayette Commons Building.
(I share an office space with ‘Old Tree Alchemy’. Our office is on the ‘L’ level off the atrium. There is an elevator on the south side entrance of the building and stairs only on the north side entrance. Main building front/west door only door open on weekends after 9am)
My office hours are:
Monday 9am-6pm
Wednesday 3-8pm
Friday 9am-6pm
Saturdays 9am – 6pm
10). What are your fees?
- $90 per treatment, $150 intake exam.
- I accept payment in the form of cash, check or credit card.
- Payment is due at the time of service.
- Please give 24-hour notice or more if you know you will not be able to make your scheduled appointment. Full fee will be charged for missed appointments or late cancellations.
11). I’ve booked my first session, what do I need to know?
PLEASE don’t wear any lotions to the first session or any treatment if possible. No perfumes, fragrant soaps, lotions, etc. This is very helpful. Eat something before your first treatment. This is a good policy in general before coming in, but especially for the first treatment.
Please take time to read through the FAQs and the rest of the website for more information, if you haven’t already done so. I look forward to working together!