What is acupuncture?
Customary aswer: Ancient Chinese Medicine that restores balance.
Iron Dog Answer:
Acupuncture one of the branches of Oriental Medicine and is considered by
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Acupuncture schools to include techniques as acupuncture, cupping (removing the air out of a glass or plastic cup and applying it to the skin), moxabustion (burning herbs on or near the skin), basic dietary advice, and basic qi gong (energetic calasthenics). Herbs are a separate degree and often practiced simultaneously.
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New York State (other states are smilar) as the manual, thermal or electrical stimulation of acupuncture points.
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Insurance Companies as the insertion of at least one needle.
This means that patient using their health insurance must have at least one needle for treatment whereas cash patients are not bound to needles. Any additional modalities are used at the discretion of the individual practitioner with the knowledge that will probably not get paid for it. TOP
Which insurances cover acupuncure?
Customary answer: Most major insurances accepted.
Iron Dog Answer
Billable Insurances That Pay and are Accepted
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Any No-Fault auto insurance
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Some Workers Compensation
Unable to Accept
Oxford (with "Alternative Medicine" rider added to policy)- acupuncturist panel still closed- not accepting applications.
Insurance that Do Not Pay
United Health Care- says covers acupuncture but subcontracts to a company that offers "discount treatment". Essentially, United Health Care covers but does not pay.
Insurances that won't pay any acupuncturist
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Empire (State) Blue Cross
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GHI general coverage (teachers)
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Why so harsh? Simple. There is little more frustrating to an acupuncturist than spending the time to call a potential patient's insurance only to learn that they are not covered. Seems sad that often the patient knows more how to operate all the little buttons on their tv remote than the health plan they chose.
TOP
What is qi?
A simple broad workingdefinition of qi I like to use is “that which has form and/or function”. In other words, qi is matter in its dense
form and is the force that moves matter in its diffuse form and there is a
range in between and beyond. This concept
of qi is parallel to “energy”- a word commonly used to substitute for “qi”. This “qi” is energy according to the Einsteinian
understanding of energy- matter and energy convert to each other and are interdependent. This concept of qi encompasses the concepts
of qi throughout the entire range oriental practices including Feng Shui and Qi
Gong. TOP
What is acupuncture from the energtic perspective?
Acupuncture is one of many methods to affect the qi/energetic dynamic of the body. Somtimes the needle serves as a "gate" to allow qi/energy to enter or exit the body, sometimes the needles serve as a guide to move the qi/energy along the meridians, sometimes the needles act as part of a "bridge" between body regions/parts. Once balance has been achieved the affects diminish. When balance has been achieved and maintained then physical changes often happen. TOP
How long does treatment last?
There are several answers. The duration of treatment ranges from 1/2 to 1 hour typically. The effects of treament typically last 1-3 days but are generally cumlative. TOP
How often should one get treatment?
Since treatment generally lasts a few days (like physical therapy and chiropractic but medication is much shorter) it is best to get treated every two or three days to maintain the benefits of treatment. One time a week is typical and convenient but also the bare minimum. This means that the average treament must compensate for a loss of "momentum" in treatment. Since many acupuncturists are also herbalists the herbs serve to compensate for lost time.
This is affected by other factors as severity, lifestyle, and reinjury which can hinder progress. TOP
What does acupuncture feel like?
There are generally two sensations. The first is when the needle passes through the skin- this is where many nerves are located. The patient might not experience any sensation depending on the brand of needle and style of treament and needle technique. The second sensation is often the energetic sensation. Tingling, lightness and heaviness are fairly common for those who are energetically aware. Those who lack energetic awareness may feel a slight "tightening of muscles at the needle site.
Sensations as burning, stabbing, shooting are often associate with placement where the tip of the needle is at a nerve, surface of a muscle or blood vessel and are not preferable. TOP
What is Energetic Acupuncture and what makes it different?
Energetic acupuncture is regular Traditional Chinese Acupuncture with the addition of direct awareness of qi/energy where permissable. It includes other energy healing methods from other energetic healin systems to supplement Traditional Chinese medical theory. This combination makes theory less theoretical and more technical and practical. Patients often but not all notice the difference between pure Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCM style). TOP
What is Energetic (Qi) Awareness?
Qi Awareness is the
awareness of structures associated with oriental medicine such as acupuncture
points and meridians. Energetic Awareness
is Qi Awareness plus awareness of structures not typically associated with
oriental medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine) as auras, chakras and physical
structures. One may consider awareness
beyond the clinical setting as feng shui and intuition within the auspices of
Energetic Awareness. TOP
How does Energetic Awareness affect diagnosis?
Energetic Awareness enables
acupuncturists to identify qi imbalances that are known and unknown to the
patient. There are occasions where the
patient is fso ocused on one ailment that they are no longer aware or concerned with other symptoms. Other occasions the
qi/energetic imbalance is present but not sufficient to manifest as a symptom.
This allows the practitioner to “treat the patient before they become ill” or
continue to address the imbalance that is asymptomatic but still not completely
resolved. The practitioner can also achieve
an accurate diagnosis for a patient who has difficulty articulating their
symptoms. TOP
How does Energetic Awareness affect acupuncture treatment?
Energetic Awareness helps
acupuncturists obtain a more precise location of acupuncture points than classical
methods alone. Energetic Awareness
enables practitioners detect qi/energetic imbalances more directly than typical
methods as pulse and tongue observation.
Energetic Awareness enables practitioners detect changes of the
patient’s qi dynamic during treatment.
With this knowledge practitioners may adjust treatment during treatment
thus gaining more control over the treatment. TOP
Should the patient have Energetic Awareness?
Not necessary. Patients who have
Energetic Awareness facilitate the treatment.
These patients are typically more relaxed during treatment than their
non-aware counterparts because they must relax in order to perceive qi. Energetically Aware patients are often able
to describe in fine detail how their qi dynamic is affected by treatment. They learn how Oriental Medicine works
quickly. They may even describe qi
movement not clearly described in the classic texts thus providing insights
into the inner workings of Oriental Medicine. Many, but not all, patients commonly find that they become more energetically aware with continued treatment.
For example. The patient who experiences a counterclockwise (their left) circular movement of their body when only the Four Gates (Liv3-Tai
Chong and LI4- He Gu) is describing in fine detail the
redistributive/harmonizing nature of this point combination not described
elsewhere. Such description contributes
to Oriental Medical theory as a whole. TOP
Can one do anything else with Energetic Awareness?
Energetic Awareness provides
an empirical method to investigate and evaluate Oriental Medicine systems as Traditional
Chinese Medical (TCM) system’s auricular acupuncture. Energetic awareness is easily integrated to meditation, tai chi, qi gong, yoga, some feng shui etc. TOP
How does Energetic Acupuncture compare with other energetically based healing Systems?
Traditional Chinese
Medicine consists of a variety of schools of treatment (Jing Luo, Zang Fu and
Five Phase to name a few) but other healing systems may augment TCM and
Oriental Medicine and vice versa. Acupuncture points seem to merge with chakras
of Indian healing therefore knowledge of the Indian healing may enhance the OM
understanding. TOP
Some acupuncturists right now are augmentingtheir practices with techniques derived from non-energetically based physical
medicine as “trigger point” acupuncture therefore it is appropriate that
acupuncturists “balance” their knowledge with more purely energetically based
healing systems as Pranic Healing. TOP
What else can Energetic Awareness accomplish?
The awareness of Energetic
Acupuncture enables practitioners to develop theories that are more accurate. Patients tend to use the same or similar
words to describe their sensations and the acupuncturist may correlate their
words to specific conditions of their qi/energetic dynamic. When groups of patients with the same or
similar choice of words describe the same or similar qi/energetic condition
practitioners are able to develop an accurate vocabulary that is consistent
with the OM paradigm. For example,
light-headed dizziness refers to a deficient condition whereas heavy-headed
refers to an excess condition. TOP
Why would I want to try this?
Why not? The individual does not have to have an ailment to get treatment. Often, people are in a constant state of mild discomfort and "live with it". With treatment one becomes more aware of what it is like to feel more balanced. The experience is unique. It can feel like a combination the feeling a "good workout", "relaxation that has not been felt in a long time", "desire to go sleep after treatment" in addition to redeuction of a main complaint. TOP
Sooo. You're too scared of needles.
Acupuncture is a branch or Oriental medicine and is not just about needles. In New York State acupuncture is just about any means to stimulate the acupuncture points. The acupunture points may also be stimulated through electricty. There is Moxabustion- burning an herb on and near the skin and the heat is therapeutic, there is cupping- a glass or plastic cup has with the air removed forms a vaccuum on the skin, there is gua sha- a flat surface is moved along the body. As mentioned above these non-needle treatments are not covered by insurance. TOP
What is Rei Ki?
Simply stated, Rei Ki is Japanese healing system where practitioners who are specially "attuned" to receive rei ki energy are able to pass it to the patient. It is passive system, meaning, that the rei ki energy goes where it is supposed to go and the patient is able to refuse it. Rei ki is often felt as a penetrating heat and is used to treat a wide variety of problems. But regardless of the purpose relaxation and peace of mind are common experiences.
Like acupuncture, different Rei Ki practitioners will have somewhat different approaches depending on their interests and how they continue their studies.
There are many websites that explain Rei Ki in greater detail but check some links at the bottom of the home page. TOP
What is the Balance Method of acupuncture?
The Balance Method is a simple, elegant system of acupuncture that relies on balancing the body's qi that is based on yin/yang, meridian, and body part. It does not rely on treating the affected body part. For example, to treat carpal tunnel syndrome the opposite side ankle tendon is needled. The results are commonly felt immediately. TOP
I've had acupuncture before are you going to do the same thing?
Probably not. In acupuncture there are different styles and techniques of acupuncture in addition to the possible variation of diagnosis and treatment plans.
Additionally, there are philosophical variations among acupuncturists. Most acupuncturists are trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine they begin with a somewhat balance of eastern and western medicine. However, as they practice they will tend to continue their development in one or both directions. One acupuncturist's style might be very western- they may limit their work to local treatments (back for back pain) and prescribe bottles of herbs- and thus resemble a physical therapist. Another acupuncturist may focus more on the fundamental core of Oriental Medicine and suggest meditation, qi gong exercises, yoga and dietary changes.
To complicate matters, depending on the state, some medical professions are able to obtain certificates (not board certified) to practie acupunture or are even permitted practice acupuncture without any formal training at all. TOP
What are your goals/expectations?
The goals shift depending on the patient and their expectations but this is general list of possible goals.
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Elimination of problem- this is what the average person considers a "cure". This is usually unrealistic on behalf of the patient. For example, a person with a headache takes a pill once or twice and if the pain returns a short time later they take it again. Unfortunately, patients too often disparage acupuncture treatment instead of committing to the treatment, or behavioral changes necessary for improvement. It is fair to say that if the body has the capability to heal itself then acupuncture will enhance the natural healing process.
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Symptom reduction/management- "Pain management" is the western acceptance that a given type of pain will never be eliminated. Treatment regardless of type is only to improve quality of life. Acupuncture, like the other treatments, is to reduce pain and stress. If the physical structure is significantly damaged and unlikely to heal under any circumstances then treatment will likely serve to treat the symptoms.
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General helath improvement- very few people realize that one need not suffer from illness to get acupuncture/herbs/Oriental Medicine treatment. One can receive treatment preventatively. When treatment is regular there is the potential to change attitudes and thought habits. This is where the changes are subtle but lifechanging. The trick is to pay attention to one's daily living and notice what is different and how one's responses are different than customary.
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Enhancement of life- almost no one realizes that acupuncture is a branch of ancient Oriental Medicine and as such may be used to heighten ones energetic and potentially spiritual awareness. Thus, one may use this to strive to become a better person.
As a note. Although acupuncture may be used to treat just about any ailment there are other occasions when other methods are as more effective and/or faster without harm. This has to do with the notion that affecting the energy to affect the body and/or affecting the body to affect the energy. This is where the practitioner is knowledgable of other modalities and willing to defer to their expertise. TOP
What makes a good candidate for acupuncture?
Excuses of a bad candidate for acupunture and response.
"I'm just too busy."- I guess you're too busy to get better.
"I can't change"- Do you mean can't change or won't change?
"Make me better"- No one can make you better. Many are avaialalble to help and guide you but you are ultimately responsible for yourself.
"My insurance won't cover"- Your insurance is not preventing you from treatment. Cash is better than insurance any day of the week
"I can't afford to pay".- No problem. Buh bye.
