How do I set up an appointment?
Call 301-565-4924 to 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 hour long and $180. Regular follow-up treatments are 1 hour and $130. I take cash, check, visa, mastercard or health savings account benefit cards. If acupuncture is a covered benefit with your insurance plan, copays usually range from $0-$45 per treatment.
Is acupuncture covered by my insurance?
Acupuncture benefits are specific to each plan. I am an in-network provider with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, United Healthcare and Aetna, so care with me may be a covered benefit and I will bill them directly. Please tell me your member id# and date of birth so that I can check the details of your coverage. If acupuncture is not covered by your insurance, your out of pocket fee is $180 for the intial appointment and $130 for subsequent sessions. I am happy to provide a receipt with all the information you will need to submit to your health savings account.
What is an acupuncture treatment like?
In the first appointment, 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 history, your pulses, and your tongue, I choose acupuncture 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. 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.