Q. Is Acupuncture safe?

A. Very. When practiced correctly by trained, qualified professional practitioners, acupuncture is very safe. In fact, when practiced correctly, it has no side effects and produces no iatrogenic or doctor-caused diseases.

Q. Is acupuncture effective?

A. According to a 1977 National Institute for Health (NIH) Consensus Conference, clinical studies have shown that acupuncture is helpful in treating addictions, nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy, dental pain after surgery, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma and to assist in stroke rehabilitation. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture may be used.

Q. Will acupuncture benefit someone who is skeptical or does not understand?

A. Yes. The healing process will not be affected in any way by a patient's skeptical attitude or lack of understanding. I often share the fact that for thousands of years, acupuncture has been used successfully as a veterinary medicine system to treat animals in China and other countries. The horses, cows, dogs or cats certainly did not understand the principles or nuances of the acupuncture, yet its effectiveness is well documented throughout the years.

Q. Is acupuncture a medical procedure?

A. Oriental Medicine is an approved medical system, which is well researched and documented. The methods and treatment practiced at the 12  Meridians are approved medical procedures and are practiced within the national and internationally accepted accepted standards of care guidelines. Oriental medicine and its benefits are well documented by the World Health Organization (WHO), Federal Drug Administration (FDA), American Medical Association (AMA), and many insurance providers for treatment of an extensive range of health illnesses and issues.

Q. How many needles are used?

A. An average of 10 needles are inserted, although more or less is not uncommon.

Q. How do I prepare for treatment?

A. Please wear loose falling clothing and have something to eat one hour before your appointment.

All new patients are asked to complete a patient information form and health history. This questionnaire will include questions about your medical history, yoyr family medical history and your lifestyle. It can be downloaded under the Intake Forms listed on the Scheduling page.

Q. Will insurance cover the cost?

A. Some insurance companies cover some or all costs of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Please check with your health insurance carrier regarding your particular healthcare policy. At the 12 Meridians, I am happy to provide you with a detailed Practitioners Statement, which you can submit, along with your carrier's claim form, to obtain reimbursement for your acupuncture costs. Insurance claims are not filed from this practice.

Q. What are your cancellation policies and payment plans?

A. I have a 24 hour cancellation policy to avoid a $25.00 cancellation fee. All monies are due at time of visit. For those requiring payment plans, this will be discussed prior to services rendered. I do have a sliding scale policy.