Frequently Asked Questions

How does it work?

Chinese medicine uses tiny needles to access and activate qi (pronounced "chee" - most closely translated into Western thought as "vital energy"), which helps nurture the body back to health by helping resolve energy imbalances.

Chinese medicine goes back over 3,000 years.

What happens at my first visit?

The first visit lasts about two hours. It is an opportunity to talk about your concerns and what you hope to get out of treatment. A health history and other relevant information will be obtained and an acupuncture physical exam will be done along with a first treatment.

What are the needles like?

Needles are 2-3 hairs in width and are inserted an average of Ľ inch. They are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposed of after use so there is no risk of infection.

Does it hurt?

The sensations that patients experience during acupuncture range from nothing at all to a brief twinge or heaviness in the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. By and large, patients describe the sensations as fleeting and the treatment experience as deeply relaxing. Many people even fall asleep during treatment.

Following treatment it is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.

Do I have to believe in it for it to work?

No. Acupuncture works whether or not you think it will. A positive attitude helps with any type of therapy but it is not necessary to believe in acupuncture (or to feel it working) for it to work. For example, acupuncture is used successfully on animals and children. They do not understand or believe in the process yet they get better anyway.

How often should I be treated?

In the beginning, it is recommended that a patient receive about five weekly treatments. Each treatment builds upon the one that precedes it. Many people notice subtle changes in the first few sessions. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after one treatment. If the problem is chronic and long term, it may take many treatments to help resolve.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatment if there is an existing western diagnosis. Paperwork can be provided so that you can request reimbursement.

How can I get the most out of my treatment?

Avoid intense physical activity before or after your scheduled treatment. Also avoid sugar and caffeine during the day of treatment.

	Cathy J. Schwarz, L.C.S.W.-C., L.Ac., Traditional Acupuncture

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Frequently Asked Questions How does it work? Chinese medicine uses tiny needles to access and activate qi (pronounced "chee" - most closely translated into Western thought as "vital energy"), which helps nurture the body back to health by helping resolve energy imbalances. Chinese medicine goes back over 3,000 years. What happens at my first visit? The first visit lasts about two hours. It is an opportunity to talk about your concerns and what you hope to get out of treatment. A health history and other relevant information will be obtained and an acupuncture physical exam will be done along with a first treatment. What are the needles like? Needles are 2-3 hairs in width and are inserted an average of Ľ inch. They are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposed of after use so there is no risk of infection. Does it hurt? The sensations that patients experience during acupuncture range from nothing at all to a brief twinge or heaviness in the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. By and large, patients describe the sensations as fleeting and the treatment experience as deeply relaxing. Many people even fall asleep during treatment. Following treatment it is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm. Do I have to believe in it for it to work? No. Acupuncture works whether or not you think it will. A positive attitude helps with any type of therapy but it is not necessary to believe in acupuncture (or to feel it working) for it to work. For example, acupuncture is used successfully on animals and children. They do not understand or believe in the process yet they get better anyway. How often should I be treated? In the beginning, it is recommended that a patient receive about five weekly treatments. Each treatment builds upon the one that precedes it. Many people notice subtle changes in the first few sessions. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after one treatment. If the problem is chronic and long term, it may take many treatments to help resolve. Does insurance cover acupuncture? Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture treatment if there is an existing western diagnosis. Paperwork can be provided so that you can request reimbursement. How can I get the most out of my treatment? Avoid intense physical activity before or after your scheduled treatment. Also avoid sugar and caffeine during the day of treatment. Copyright 2012, Cathy J. Schwarz, L.Ac., All rights reserved 10716 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Suite 210, Columbia, MD 21044 410-964-3767, cschwarz@qimover.com Website by Visionworks Media