FAQ
How do I set up an appointment?
Call 301-565-4924 and schedule an appointment through the receptionist. If you have specific questions before starting treatment, either call me at 301-565-4924 x328 or email gpowers@crossingshealing.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
What does acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization has drawn up a long list of illnesses that lend themselves to treatment through acupuncture. The WHO has also found that acupuncture has been proven effective in relieving postoperative pain, nausea during pregnancy, nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy, and dental pain with extremely low side effects. It can also alleviate anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia. In my experience, most symptoms can improve through acupuncture.
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. Some people don’t feel a thing and fall asleep during treatment. Different acupuncturists use differing styles, techniques and needles. In general Japanese and Korean style acupuncture uses finer needles than Chinese.
How long before I see results?
As with everything, results vary. Usually you will notice a shift in symptoms within three or four treatments. A rule of thumb is that the number of treatments equals the number of months you’ve had that symptom.
How much does acupuncture cost?
The initial consultation and treatment is 1 1/2 – 2 hours long and $160. Regular follow-up treatments are 1 hour and $85. I take cash, check, visa or mastercard.
How do I find a good practitioner?
Ideally, you want a skilled, licensed acupuncturist you will like. Nobody wants to talk to or be touched by someone they dislike. As with finding a good practitioner in any modality, referral is a good route. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they know of a good acupuncturist. Because they know both you and the acupuncturist, they’ll have a good sense of if it’s a good fit personality-wise.
If no luck by referral, you can search through your insurance, national associations, AltMD.com, acufinder.com, Maryland Acupuncture Society, AOMAlliance, and acupuncture schools. Some insurance companies have a list of preferred acupuncture providers that may or may not include physicians, chiropractors, NADA practitioners, and oriental medicine practitioners. You’ll need to check with your particular plan to see who and what is covered.
Is acupuncture covered by my insurance?
That’s a question for your insurance company, and specific to your plan. Check with your insurance company directly. Some practitioners participate in discount programs in association with insurance companies. Their credentials have been checked and they have agreed to offer a discount to folks with specific insurance coverage.
What is an acupuncture treatment like?
It varies by tradition and practitioner style. In my office, the first appointment is 1 1/2 – 2 hours long, and subsequent treatments are 1 hour.
In the first appointment we talk in depth about what you’re looking for in treatment, what hurts, when it hurts, what helps, about your medical history, diet, etc. Then I step out of the room and you undress to your undergarments, lay upon 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.
Regular 1hr follow-up treatments have a brief check-in at the beginning, followed by pulse and tongue diagnosis and treatment as described above.
Other practitioners do it differently – some have shorter treatments, less intake discussion, leave you alone longer, play soothing music, include aromatherapy – it really varies from practitioner to practitioner.
