FAQ

From an anatomy, neurology, and biochemistry standpoint: acupuncture is a traditional Chinese Medicine holistic treatment that addresses a variety of health conditions. It involves stimulating certain acupoints by inserting super thin needles into the body. Acupoints are located in areas of the body that are abundant in nerves, blood vessels, lymph vessels, densely distributed nerve endings and receptors, mast cells, and highly concentrated neural and neuroactive components. Acupuncture may stimulate nerve fibers, release the body's natural painkillers (endorphins, enkephalins, etc.), release neurotransmitters, influence the autonomic nervous system, promote relaxation and reduce stress. One theory is that acupuncture points and channels/meridians can be seen as a representation of the body’s interstitial connective tissue network. A research study found high levels of correspondence between acupuncture points and the location of intermuscular/intramuscular connective tissue planes in the body. From a Chinese Medicine standpoint: There are energy channels in the body. When the energy channel is blocked, illness and pain ensues. Acupuncture is the medical practice of unblocking the channel(s) so that the body may return to a healthy state. Acupuncture is highly effective and can help with numerous acute and chronic health conditions.

There are many scientific research studies and articles observing the physiological health benefits of acupuncture treatments on the body. Here are the main physiological theories on how acupuncture works: Neurotransmitter Release Theory: Acupuncture may stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins (Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers) to help reduce pain and promote a sense of wellness. Modulation of Inflammation Theory: Some research studies suggest that acupuncture may have anti-inflammatory effects where acupuncture reduces inflammation in the body by modulating (regulating) immune responses. Blood Flow Improvement Theory: Inserting acupuncture needles may promote local microcirculation by increasing blood flow to specific areas, which can contribute to tissue healing and repair. Nervous System Modulation Theory: Acupuncture may module (regulate) the autonomic nervous system which in turn may contribute to stress reduction and relaxation.

We understand that the quality of needles matter. Therefore, we use the highest quality state of the art needles made in the world. Crafted with incredible precision and designed for maximum patient comfort and safety, our needles are the gold standard in acupuncture needle technology. Most people don’t feel anything when the needles are put in. Some people may feel a slight pinch. All our acupuncture needles are extremely thin, about 30x smaller than the needles you are used to at hospitals/blood draws. The acupuncture needles are almost the width of a strand of hair. They are sterilized and have a fine tip for maximum patient comfort. Patients usually feel very relaxed and comfortable during and after needling.

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique used for many thousand years and is considered one of the safest medical treatments. Rigorous measures are taken to guarantee your safety: all acupuncture needles are sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Licensed acupuncturists have extensive training and are regulated strictly by state medical boards. Acupuncture has minimal risk of side effects. In very few cases, there might be a small, temporary bruise at the needle insertion area.

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions. Its benefits extend beyond addressing just physical symptoms, acupuncture also provides mental and emotional support. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends acupuncture for these diseases, symptoms or conditions, because acupuncture has been ‘prove[d] – through controlled trials – to be an effective treatment’: Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever) Biliary colic Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke) Dysentery, acute bacillary Dysmenorrhoea, primary Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm) Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders) Headache Hypertension, essential Hypotension, primary Induction of labour Knee pain Leukopenia Low back pain Malposition of fetus, correction of Morning sickness Nausea and vomiting Neck pain Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction) Periarthritis of shoulder Postoperative pain Renal colic Rheumatoid arthritis Sciatica Sprain Stroke Tennis elbow

Scientific research indicates that acupuncture induces the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain relievers). Additionally, it has been observed to diminish the body’s inflammation, enhance circulation, and alleviate pain. Furthermore, acupuncture induces relaxation in the central nervous system (CNS), which mitigates the body's fight or flight response (sympathetic nervous system) and facilitates the transition of the body into the rest and digest stage (parasympathetic nervous system response). This may offer a sense of calm, potentially benefiting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Recent research also suggests that acupuncture may provide relief for musculoskeletal conditions by affecting connective tissues, nerve bundles, muscles, and fascia.

Wear loose-fitting clothes for easy access to acupuncture points. Eat a light to moderate meal 1-2 hours before the session. Avoid overeating (buffet style) beforehand. Avoid consuming caffeine/stimulants a few hours before appointment. Prepare a list of medications (include name, reason for taking, dose, frequency, and how long have you been taking it), supplements/vitamins, health concerns, and full name & phone # of your primary care provider. Have adequate water intake.

Most people experience deep relaxation during treatment. Your first appointment will include going over your medical history and assessing your health. Acupoints are selected based on your health needs and constitution. The acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable and about as thin as a strand of human hair. Tiny acupuncture needles are tapped in (most people don’t feel anything; some people just feel a slight pinch). Treatment length of time is determined by each individual person’s body and health needs.

Some people feel a rush of energy after the treatment. It is recommended to take it easy for a day or two after each treatment to let your body do what it needs to do to take care of itself.

Acupuncture benefits are cumulative, needing multiple treatment sessions for the body to get the momentum it needs and have noticeable health effects. For acute conditions, it’s much quicker. For chronic conditions, it will take awhile for your body to get the momentum it needs from consistent acupuncture treatment to get to where it needs to go. It’s like trying to move a car that isn’t working from a standstill position. First the car needs to be pushed. After the car gets momentum, it will be able to move on its own.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can be used to pay for acupuncture treatments as long as your physician recommends it with a written prescription. To receive a written prescription from your medical provider, you can discuss with them about wanting to receive acupuncture treatments for a specific medical illness. The prescription must include what condition you are wanting treatment for, how many sessions per month, and how many months for treatment. You could pay for your acupuncture sessions directly with the card/check associated with your health spending account. These HSA and FSA payment options help make acupuncture treatments more accessible. Superbill option: We do not bill insurance at this time. If your insurance plan covers acupuncture, we will provide you with an itemized receipt with the health codes (called a “superbill”) at the end of your treatments. After paying for your treatments at our office, you can submit the superbill to your insurance provider and request for the insurance company to reimburse you directly. It is the patient’s responsibility to know the extent of their insurance coverage for different acupuncture services. Depending on what your insurance plan is, you may receive partial reimbursement. Please note that being reimbursed the full fee for all acupuncture services rendered is quite rare as many services may not be covered by insurance.

Credit Card, Debit Card, HSA/FSA cards, cash, cashier’s checks or personal checks are accepted. Payment is collected at the time of service. If you are having financial difficulties, please reach out and let me know via email at DrLeeAcuSuccess@gmail.com. I will make accommodations and work with you. I would much rather you get the acupuncture treatments you need for your health needs.

We kindly request any cancellations/rescheduling of appointments be made 48 hours in advance in order for us to accommodate another patient in your appointment time. This enables us to quickly place patients who need health care to see a physician when there is a time that opens up on the schedule. Dr Lee AcuSuccess Office reserves the right to charge a $50 fee to patients who miss an appointment, procedure and/or scheduled acupuncture/other therapy. Fees for missed appointments are the responsibility of the patient. Failure to pay any fees may result in the patient’s account being transferred to an outside collection agency. Please contact the office when you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment to avoid any fees. Under emergent conditions, the cancellation/reschedule fee within 48 hours would be waived. We understand there may be times when circumstances beyond your control arise and you must miss an appointment; therefore, we highly recommend contacting the office if you cannot make your scheduled appointment, or as soon as possible after you miss an appointment. Patients who consistently fail to show for 2 scheduled appointments may be terminated from receiving care from the office. Please note that while our office makes every effort to accommodate requested appointment times, circumstances may exist where this request may not be met. Sometimes, there may be a large volume of patients scheduled at the time; however, after triaging your healthcare needs, we will provide you with an appointment in the appropriate time period, or present you with options for your care, such as seeing another physician, advanced practice clinician or, depending on the urgency of your situation, referring you to Urgent Care or Emergency Care. It is our mission to provide the best acupuncture healthcare to our patients. We understand that there are times when the physician is running behind on seeing patients. Every effort is made to accommodate the needs of our patients. We ensure that our patients are receiving the necessary care needed at the time. Each patient is given the attention and time necessary for providing the best care that is needed based on the assessment and diagnosis. This time may be a few minutes or may take longer than the scheduled time. Each person that presents to us for care has a different health need. We appreciate your patience. Please know that when you have a healthcare issue, we are here for you. Thank you for choosing Dr Lee AcuSuccess!

According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture is used in over 100 countries around the world.