Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine that was developed in China over 3000 years ago and has been used as primary care in the East ever since. It is a holistic medical system that treats the entire individual rather than just a disease and its symptoms, and places great emphasis on the interaction between the mind, body, and the environment. It is based on the concept that the human body is a part of nature, and applies the laws of nature to help the body heal when it is in disharmony. The modern practice of acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles into precise anatomical locations along the surface of the skin, resulting in the promotion of natural healing and improved bodily function. This remarkable medical system works by adjusting the flow of energy in the body to restore balance and health.
How does acupuncture work?
At the foundation of acupuncture lies the concept of "qi" (pronounced chee), which is a form of energetic substance that serves to regulate and nourish the individual. It is said to circulate and flow throughout the body via a network of invisible pathways, and when this natural flow is disturbed by emotional, physical and environmental stressors, it can lead to poor health. Acupuncturists are capable of redirecting this flow through the strategic placement of extremely thin needles at specific points (known as acupuncture points) that lie along the pathways that cover the body's surface, and allowing the body to return to a balanced or homeostatic state. As a result, acupuncture is able to treat the root of problems rather than merely their symptoms. Ultimately, acupuncture works with the body’s innate ability to heal itself, as once the network of pathways has been unblocked and qi is allowed to flow freely, the body’s natural healing response is able to take place.
Western views on the potential mechanisms of action for acupuncture are varied, but some of the most common include the stimulation of the nervous system and release of endorphins, manipulation of fascia and connective tissue, and enhancement of circulation. Without a doubt, it has been shown that acupuncture taps into the body’s own ability to heal itself by powerfully regulating the body's major systems (immune, nervous, endocrine, etc.).
Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine that was developed in China over 3000 years ago and has been used as primary care in the East ever since. It is a holistic medical system that treats the entire individual rather than just a disease and its symptoms, and places great emphasis on the interaction between the mind, body, and the environment. It is based on the concept that the human body is a part of nature, and applies the laws of nature to help the body heal when it is in disharmony. The modern practice of acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles into precise anatomical locations along the surface of the skin, resulting in the promotion of natural healing and improved bodily function. This remarkable medical system works by adjusting the flow of energy in the body to restore balance and health.
How does acupuncture work?
At the foundation of acupuncture lies the concept of "qi" (pronounced chee), which is a form of energetic substance that serves to regulate and nourish the individual. It is said to circulate and flow throughout the body via a network of invisible pathways, and when this natural flow is disturbed by emotional, physical and environmental stressors, it can lead to poor health. Acupuncturists are capable of redirecting this flow through the strategic placement of extremely thin needles at specific points (known as acupuncture points) that lie along the pathways that cover the body's surface, and allowing the body to return to a balanced or homeostatic state. As a result, acupuncture is able to treat the root of problems rather than merely their symptoms. Ultimately, acupuncture works with the body’s innate ability to heal itself, as once the network of pathways has been unblocked and qi is allowed to flow freely, the body’s natural healing response is able to take place.
Western views on the potential mechanisms of action for acupuncture are varied, but some of the most common include the stimulation of the nervous system and release of endorphins, manipulation of fascia and connective tissue, and enhancement of circulation. Without a doubt, it has been shown that acupuncture taps into the body’s own ability to heal itself by powerfully regulating the body's major systems (immune, nervous, endocrine, etc.).
What can acupuncture treat?
Both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize acupuncture's ability to effectively treat a vast array of conditions. Some of these include pain, insomnia, anxiety/depression, GI disorders, allergies, cold and flu, women’s health and infertility, migraines, and post-chemotherapy side effects. For a more comprehensive list and additional research, click here.
Everyone can benefit from acupuncture. Although primarily used to treat disease, it's holistic approach makes acupuncture an ideal choice for individuals interested in optimal health and preventative care.
How quickly can I expect to see results? How many treatments will I need?
Every patient is unique, and the number of treatments required to see results varies. Many patients feel relief after their very first treatment, however acupuncture has a cumulative effect, and even greater change can be seen after several treatments. Some acute problems may require as few as 2-4 sessions to be resolved, while more chronic or degenerative conditions may require more sustained long-term treatment over several months or longer. Ultimately, symptomatic relief can often be achieved within a few treatments, but correcting the underlying imbalances that are at the root of the problem generally takes more time. In this way, it is when acupuncture is utilized long-term that optimal health and preventative care may truly be achieved.
Both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize acupuncture's ability to effectively treat a vast array of conditions. Some of these include pain, insomnia, anxiety/depression, GI disorders, allergies, cold and flu, women’s health and infertility, migraines, and post-chemotherapy side effects. For a more comprehensive list and additional research, click here.
Everyone can benefit from acupuncture. Although primarily used to treat disease, it's holistic approach makes acupuncture an ideal choice for individuals interested in optimal health and preventative care.
How quickly can I expect to see results? How many treatments will I need?
Every patient is unique, and the number of treatments required to see results varies. Many patients feel relief after their very first treatment, however acupuncture has a cumulative effect, and even greater change can be seen after several treatments. Some acute problems may require as few as 2-4 sessions to be resolved, while more chronic or degenerative conditions may require more sustained long-term treatment over several months or longer. Ultimately, symptomatic relief can often be achieved within a few treatments, but correcting the underlying imbalances that are at the root of the problem generally takes more time. In this way, it is when acupuncture is utilized long-term that optimal health and preventative care may truly be achieved.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture should never be painful. The needles used are hair-thin and solid, unlike hypodermic needles, and many patients feel nothing at all. Others report feeling a light sensation in the area being needled that is most often described as warmth, tingling, heaviness, or pressure. The majority of patients find acupuncture to be extremely relaxing and even fall asleep during treatment, and some find it energizing. However, every person’s perception of pain is different, and additionally, certain acupuncture points and regions of the body are more sensitive than others. If you experience any discomfort, be sure to tell Jillian so that she may adjust the needle, or find an alternative method of stimulating the point.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a trained, licensed practitioner. At Jillian Sobo Acupuncture, only sterile one-use-only stainless steel needles are used, eliminating the risk of exposure to infection and disease. Because the needles are solid with no substances being removed from or introduced to the body, treatments are drug-free and carry no risk of causing adverse reactions. Though it is a rare occurrence, the most common side effect of acupuncture is minor superficial bruising at the site of needle insertion. If you tend to bleed or bruise easily, or are a hemophiliac, please notify Jillian as there are a variety of other methods that can be utilized which do not include the insertion of needles, such as magnets and non-insertive acupuncture techniques.
Will my acupuncture treatment be covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture, however, you will need to check with your insurance provider to find out whether or not it is covered by your specific plan. Jillian Sobo Acupuncture can provide you with a receipt (called a superbill) that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Acupuncture should never be painful. The needles used are hair-thin and solid, unlike hypodermic needles, and many patients feel nothing at all. Others report feeling a light sensation in the area being needled that is most often described as warmth, tingling, heaviness, or pressure. The majority of patients find acupuncture to be extremely relaxing and even fall asleep during treatment, and some find it energizing. However, every person’s perception of pain is different, and additionally, certain acupuncture points and regions of the body are more sensitive than others. If you experience any discomfort, be sure to tell Jillian so that she may adjust the needle, or find an alternative method of stimulating the point.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a trained, licensed practitioner. At Jillian Sobo Acupuncture, only sterile one-use-only stainless steel needles are used, eliminating the risk of exposure to infection and disease. Because the needles are solid with no substances being removed from or introduced to the body, treatments are drug-free and carry no risk of causing adverse reactions. Though it is a rare occurrence, the most common side effect of acupuncture is minor superficial bruising at the site of needle insertion. If you tend to bleed or bruise easily, or are a hemophiliac, please notify Jillian as there are a variety of other methods that can be utilized which do not include the insertion of needles, such as magnets and non-insertive acupuncture techniques.
Will my acupuncture treatment be covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture, however, you will need to check with your insurance provider to find out whether or not it is covered by your specific plan. Jillian Sobo Acupuncture can provide you with a receipt (called a superbill) that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
What kind of training should I look for in an acupuncturist?
An acupuncturist should be licensed in the state in which they are practicing, and have a specific set of credentials and training. Requirements for licensure differ according to state, so check with your state's board of medicine to find out what is required by acupuncturists in your area.
In the state of Massachusetts, acupuncture licenses are granted by the Massachusetts Board of Medicine, which requires completion of a series of rigorous national board exams administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and a Master's degree from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Accredited acupuncture programs include extensive classroom and clinical training totaling approximately 3000 hours, in addition to training in the Western sciences. A Master of Acupuncture (M.Ac.) degree signifies training in acupuncture, while a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) degree signifies training in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Will my acupuncture treatment be covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture, however, you will need to check with your insurance provider to find out whether or not it is covered by your specific plan. Jillian Sobo Acupuncture can provide you with a receipt (called a superbill) that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
An acupuncturist should be licensed in the state in which they are practicing, and have a specific set of credentials and training. Requirements for licensure differ according to state, so check with your state's board of medicine to find out what is required by acupuncturists in your area.
In the state of Massachusetts, acupuncture licenses are granted by the Massachusetts Board of Medicine, which requires completion of a series of rigorous national board exams administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and a Master's degree from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Accredited acupuncture programs include extensive classroom and clinical training totaling approximately 3000 hours, in addition to training in the Western sciences. A Master of Acupuncture (M.Ac.) degree signifies training in acupuncture, while a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) degree signifies training in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Will my acupuncture treatment be covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture, however, you will need to check with your insurance provider to find out whether or not it is covered by your specific plan. Jillian Sobo Acupuncture can provide you with a receipt (called a superbill) that you may submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Jillian Sobo Acupuncture, LLC.
jillian@jilliansoboacupuncture.com
617-898-0798
