How do I set up an appointment?
Call 301-565-4924 and schedule an appointment through our receptionist. If you have specific questions before starting treatment, either call me at 301-565-4924 x328 or email gillian@powersacupuncture.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Usually not. I use very fine, stainless steel disposable needles. They’re only about the thickness of a strand of hair — so most folks only feel a slight prick, like a mosquito bite. Some people don’t feel a thing and fall asleep during treatment. If I know a point is likely to pinch, I will forewarn you.
How long before I see results?
Usually you will notice a shift in symptoms within the first three treatments. I expect changes in your cervical fluid, ease of menstruation, anxiety, sleep, mood, etc to improve along the way. Due to the life cycle of the gametes, it takes approximately 3 months to affect change in the quality of your eggs and sperm, so plan for 3 months of weekly treatment.
How much does acupuncture cost?
The initial consultation and treatment is usually 1 1/2 – 2 hours long and $200. Regular follow-up treatments are 1 hour and $100. I take cash, check, visa, mastercard or health savings account benefit cards. If acupuncture is a covered benefit with your CareFirst or Aetna plan, copays usually range from $0-$45 per treatment.
Is acupuncture covered by my insurance?
That’s a question for your insurance company, and specific to your plan. I am an in-network provider with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, United Healthcare and Aetna, so depending on your plan, care with me may be a covered benefit and I will bill them directly. Please forward me your member id# and date of birth so that I can let you know the details of your coverage. If CareFirst or Aetna are not your insurance, I am happy to provide a receipt with all the information you will need when you submit for reimbursement from your insurance.
What is an acupuncture treatment like?
In the first appointment (which is usually 1 1/2 – 2 hours long) we talk in depth about what you’re looking for in treatment, your menses, test results, your medical history, diet, etc. Then I step out of the room and you undress to your undergarments, lay on the treatment table under a sheet and blanket, and I do a noninvasive physical exam, palpating your abdomen and up to your shoulders and knees to see if there are temperature or texture irregularities. This completes the initial intake and is not repeated in such detail again.
Then I feel the pulses on your wrists and look at your tongue for diagnostic clues. Based on what we’ve talked about, your pulses and your tongue, I choose points to help support your health in general and ease your particular symptoms. I treat the points using moxibustion and acupuncture needles. Sometimes the needles stay in for 10-30 minutes, and sometimes they are quickly in and out within 3 seconds – it just depends on what will serve you best. I feel your pulses throughout treatment, and ask into your experience. As appropriate, I include Acupressure and Zero Balancing techniques. At the conclusion of treatment, we’ll talk about any questions you might have, what you can expect over time, and anything you can do to further your healing outside of the treatment room. I’ll step out while you get dressed and we’ll schedule the next appointment and take payment on your way out.
Subsequent appointments are 1hour have a brief check-in at the beginning, followed by pulse and tongue diagnosis and treatment as described above.