FAQ


  1. What can Chinese Medicine help?
  2. What should I expect on my first visit?
  3. How long is a usual treatment course?
  4. Is acupuncture covered by insurance or HSA?
  5. Is acupuncture tax deductible?
  6. What is your cancellation policy?
  7. What are your hours?
  8. What is Qi?
  9. Is there modern research about Chinese Medicine and acupuncture?
  10. Is acupuncture safe?

1. What can Chinese Medicine help?

Chinese medicine is a comprehensive medical system that has a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment. It is used to treat a wide variety of diseases including chronic pain, hormonal disorders, skin conditions, men’s and women’s health, as well as others. No list can be complete, but here are some conditions I commonly treat. If you do not see your concern please call and ask us about it.

 

2. What should I expect on my first visit?

During the first visit, I will take your medical history and complete an examination. This will help me determine what imbalance is causing your condition. During this visit, you will have an opportunity to ask questions about your condition and you will receive an acupuncture treatment. We may also discuss Chinese herbs and acupressure as an option in your treatment plan. The first visit takes about an hour and a half, and the follow up visits are about one hour.

3. How long is a usual treatment course?

Chinese medicine treatment and diagnosis is entirely individualized. Factors such as the length and severity of illness, type of condition, and the person’s constitution, will affect the number and duration of treatments. Most patients come in once a week during the treatment course, but it can vary from twice a week to once every two weeks. After the first consultation, I will usually be able to give you a better idea of how long the treatment course can take.One reason I am so adamant about Chinese medicine therapy is because it treats both the root cause and the branch, the symptoms of an illness which can lead to long term improvement.

4. Is acupuncture covered by Insurance or Health Savings Account?

Some insurance companies in New York cover acupuncture.   We are in network with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO and PPO programs as well as Cigna.  We have worked with United Health Care and Aetna as an out of network provider.   Our office will gladly qualify your insurance.
Our estimate is that about 20% of insurance policies cover acupuncture.
Please call or e-mail us to discuss your insurance coverage.  We will need some information from you, such as your full name, insurance carrier, insurance number, and date of birth to verify the insurance. Be sure to include the best contact number should we need more information.

Our office must qualify your insurance prior to your visit.  If we have not previously inquired about insurance, we will ask you to pay in full at the time of the visit.  This is because contacting your insurance company takes time and our office cannot do it at  the time of your appointment.

You can use your Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to pay for or get reimbursed for acupuncture. Student rates are available.

5. Is acupuncture tax deductible?

Yes, acupuncture is tax deductible. Please ask your tax professional for more information.

6. What is your cancellation policy?

Please give 24 hour cancellation to avoid being charged for the session.

7. What are your hours?

Office visits by appointment only.Tuesday: 8am-8pm
Wednesday:  11am-8pm
Thursday: 11am-8pm
Friday: 8am-5pmWe do not have appointments on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

8. What is Qi?

There is no direct translation of qi, but it is understood to be a universal energy present in all living things as well as nature. The character for qi represents the vapor rising from rice as it cooks. In medicine, qi is the body’s energy, which allows for the growth and function of the body.Qi needs to be abundant and circulate through channels in the body or else illness occurs. In Chinese medicine, it is said “When the qi flows there is no pain, when qi stops, there is pain and illness.” Lifestyle habits such as poor diet, overwork, and stress or a person’s constitution can affect the amount and flow of qi. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tui na, and qi gong all help to build more qi and smooth the flow of qi.

9. Is there modern research about Chinese Medicine and acupuncture?

Although Chinese Medicine has thousands of years of success as a clinical practice, it is only recently that modern researchers have attempted to explain its healing ability. Currently, many studies are underway to investigate the mechanisms of acupuncture. Some studies show that acupuncture has an effect on the local connective tissue cells which may be involved with its therapeutic effect. Other studies have shown that insertion and manipulation of acupuncture needles release endogenous opioids, which modify the pain sensation. Some interesting work suggests that acupuncture influences the brain function to relieve pain or modify hormonal release. More recently, researchers have adopted a holistic approach, examining acupuncture’s effect on the physical and mental states as a whole, rather than in isolation. In the future, it may be possible to see investigations which address the body, mind, and spirit.

10. Is acupuncture safe?

Yes, acupuncture is very safe when performed by a trained and licensed professional. In the largest study of acupuncture safety ever performed, over 34,000 treatments from 574 acupuncturists were tracked. In total, only 43 side effects were reported and all of them were minor such as nausea or dizziness. There were no major injuries or hospitalizations from these treatments
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    © Alban Acupuncture P.C. 2013. New York City Acupuncture. 124 East 40th Street, Suite 902, New York, NY 10016.