COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is acupuncture?
The Chinese have been using and refining the techniques of acupuncture for more than 3000 years. Acupuncture has evolved as an essentially empirical science founded on the systemic observation of the body and the systematic observation of the effects of needling specific points on the body. Acupuncture is one modality used in the practice of Oriental Medicine. Acupuncture is based on the assumption that "qi" or "energy" travels through specific "meridians" or "channels" in the body. When the energy in these channels is in balance, there is no "dis- ease." When this flow of energy is disrupted, pain or disease results. When specific points along these meridians are stimulated, blocked energy is released and balance is restored in the body. In an acupuncture treatment these points are stimulated with thin, disposable, sterile, needles.
2. Do the needles hurt?
I am starting my 9th year of practice. I understand the initial apprehension a client may have concerning the expected discomfort of an acupuncture needle. A client experiencing their first acupuncture needle is often surprised and relieved to discover that the insertion of the needle is nothing like the needle sensation they are expecting, after all they remember having "shots" or even experiencing an IV at the doctors office! First of all, acupuncture needles are not hollow, therefore are very fine, like a thin wire. Insertion of a needle may not be felt at all. This does not mean that there is no sensation. The sensation varies depending on you, your practitioner and the point used. There may be a feeling of warmth or perhaps a tingling sensation. There are different needling techniques. I use a Japanese needle technique which is very light. You will discover that acupuncture treatments are very relaxing.
3. If I am very needle sensitive, can you use acupressure instead?
Yes.
4. Can I combine Eastern and Western medicine?
Yes. One can support the other. For example, acupuncture is very effective in reducing nausea and pain associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Oriental Medicine can help boost the immune system before surgery, etc.
5. How many treatments will I need?
After the initial intake, I will give you an idea of my suggested treatment program. Acute challenges often respond to treatment faster than chronic problems which have taken a long time to develop. I will be able to give you an idea as to the number of treatments you may need. I may suggest you be willing to come in for 4-10 treatments. You should , however, begin to see improvement in a progressive manner early in a treatment series. "Progress" depends on many factors which we address as we work together.
6. Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
If you do not know the answer to this question, you should call and ask your insurance company. Many companies now offer an option to include acupuncture . If your insurance company covers acupuncture, ask them how many treatments per year are covered and how much they will pay per treatment. If they do not cover my entire fee, I will ask you to make up the difference
7. Will Workers’ Comp cover acupuncture?
Yes . If you wish, I can act as your "primary care physician" under the Workers" Comp program.
8. Is Medicare covered?
Not yet, but coverage is being considered.
9. What does Oriental Medicine treat?
The scope of Oriental Medicine is very broad. Call me.
10. Do you ever refer a client to a Western doctor?
Yes.
Use This Helpful Guide to Provide You With A Definition of What Oriental Medicine Can do to Improve Your Quality of Life
Traditional Oriental Medicine (T.O.M.)
T.O.M. is a complete health-care system which has diagnosed, treated and prevented illness for over 23 centuries.
In T.O.M., we treat by balancing and redirecting the energy that flows through the body. This energy or "QI" runs in specific pathways.
Because these pathways run internally as well as along the body’s surface, T.O.M. con influence all of the body’s systems, without invasive medical techniques.
T.O.M. can improve all of the body’s systems including the nervous, digestive, muscular/skeletal, immune, urinary and reproductive system.
Herbology
Herbs have become a trend recently, but herbs are serious medicine! The "hit and miss" usage of herbs is not effective.
Used Correctly, herbal formulas provide effective and balanced medicinal therapy, without the dramatic or toxic side effects of standard drugs.
Correct diagnosis is crucial to effective Herbology! The highly trained herbalists of Jade Healing Arts use T.O.M. diagnostic procedures to evaluate your unique profile and prescribe the precise herbal formula appropriate for you
Acupuncture/Acupressure
Acupressure and acupuncture are used to stimulate and rebalance the body’s Qi. Specific strategic points are chosen to activate the body’s own innate intelligence and to focus on and alleviate the disorder.
For those who choose acupuncture, only stainless-steel, sterile, disposable needles are used. For those who choose acupressure, these points are stimulated directly from the practitioners fingers.
Most people are surprised to discover that acupuncture needles are very tiny, hair-thin devices. Insertion of the acupuncture needle goes unnoticed by many and feels like a mild pinch to pressure by most others.
What Can We Treat?
T.O.M. treats much more than pain. At Jade we effectively treat many ailments including:
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* Recognized by the World Health Organization as effectively treated by acupuncture.
Therapeutic Massage
Massage can increase circulation of Qi and blood, and relax tight muscles. Our skilled staff applies a variety of massage techniques and herbal liniments to invigorate your body and soothe areas of stress and strain.
Nutrition
I use nutritional principles of the East and West to provide your body with a solid foundation for health.
Licensing
All acupuncturists at Jade Healing Arts have completed four years of graduate study in an intense program combining Oriental medicine and Western medicine modalities.
All Acupuncturists at Jade Healing Arts have been certified and licensed by the Medical Board of California and the National Commission of the Center of Acupuncture in Washington D.C.
Insurance
Acupuncture is covered by Workers’ Compensation and by many insurance carriers in California.
Linda Ketcham Masters Oriental Medicine Licensed Acupuncturist National Diplomate Acupuncture, Reiki Master
619-298-2883