by
Family Practice Board Certified Physician Judith L. Kirstein,
M.D. FAQ~ WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE? | WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT? HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK? | WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY ACUPUNCTURE? ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT? WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT? | DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK? DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK? HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED? | IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE? HOW
MUCH DOES IT COST? WILL MY INSURANCE COVER ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture
is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing
and to improve functioning.
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians. The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The
improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture
results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities,
and in promoting physical and emotional well-being. WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? Medical
acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health:
Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use either approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes take place affecting appetite, sleep, bowel or urination pattern, or an emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome. WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT? People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted, some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place there is no pain felt. Acupuncture
needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel.
The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic
needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections
or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is
less than when using a Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today, acupuncture is practiced in Asia, Europe and is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time that other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments. DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK? No. Acupuncture is used successfully in veterinary medicine. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude (“I don’t know if I can really believe in this”) will not block treatment results. HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED? The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long standing conditions, one or two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required. Four sessions a year may be all that is necessary for health maintenance. IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE? Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs; other companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. Many insurances will cover your initial consultation. The AAMA is working to inform insurance companies and the public in order to standardize payment practices and accessibility to this type of treatment. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? WILL MY INSURANCE COVER ACUPUNCTURE? All acupuncture treatments handled through this office must be paid in full at the time of service. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and most Debit Cards. Personal checks are accepted with prior approval. We can provide you with a form to submit to your insurance company in order to get reimbursed. Center for East-West Medicine is NOT a contracted provider on any managed care plan. Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans DO NOT cover acupuncture treatments. Initial Consultation: $125.00 USD (includes initial acupuncture treatment) Acupuncture treatments or subsequent consultations: $45.00 to $125.00 USD (depending on time spent and complexity of treatment) Dr. Kirstein received her medical degree from UCLA and completed her three year family practice residency training at the University of Utah in 1981. She then entered private practice as a traditional family practice physician in West Jordan at Jordan Valley Family Health. Her acupuncture training was also through UCLA’s program for practicing physicians.
For more information
or to schedule an appointment, simply call 801-241-5319 or send
an e-mail Dr. Kirstein directly.
(Note: The email being sent over the internet is not secure, so
please do NOT include medical or other sensitive information in
your email.)
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hollow
needle.
"I
am excited to bring another dimension of treatment possibilities
to my practice of medicine. The combination of eastern and western
medicine allows me to give a greater range of the healing arts
to my patients.”