A: Acupuncture has been used in China for over 5,000 years. It is based on long term, close clinical observation of patients and diseases. It views the human body as a biological energy field rather than a collection of tissues. The flow of energy travels along certain pathways in the body, called Meridian. A smooth and harmonious free flow of energy indicates health, while an imbalanced, blocked flow indicates illness. By inserting needles into certain points, on these meridians, the normal flow of energy may be restored and balanced. There is a famous saying in China: “there is no pain if there is a free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow.” Modern research has shown that acupuncture may trigger the higher nerve centers of the body to release the body’s own natural pain killers, called endorphins, to the injured area for relief from pain.
Q: Is Acupuncture covered by Insurance?A: More and more insurance companies have started to cover acupuncture treatment. You may call your insurance agent to verify your coverage. According to Florida House Bill No. 461.1987, any insurance plan that covers a licensed medical doctor performing acupuncture treatment also provides the same coverage to a licensed acupuncture physician.
Q: Do acupuncture needles hurt?A: An acupuncture needle is so fine and thin that it can fit inside a needle used for hypodermic injections. You may feel a slight pricking, numbness, heaviness, or tingling, or a swelling sensations in the area around the needle when it is inserted. The sensations usually last only a moment after insertion of the needle.
Q: Are the needles clean?A: The number of treatments needed depends upon the duration, severity and nature of each individual’s condition. Generally, from five to fifteen treatments are adequate for treating chronic ailments. Many acute conditions need only once or two treatments. At the Center for China Acupuncture, Dr. Li or Dr. Song will evaluate your individual condition and give you an estimate of your treatment program before starting treatment.
Q: What can I expect after treatment?A: Some patients experience immediate pain relief, and some experience gradual relief. In some cases, immediate relief may last, while in others the pain may return; but with continued acupuncture treatment the pain will gradually decrease, and long term relief will occur. In a few cases the pain may seem worse after an acupuncture treatment. This is called the rebound effect, and the pain can be reduced in one or two days.
Dr. Erqiang Li, PhD, AP, MD (China) and Dr. Limin Song, AP, MD (China) have over 30 years of clinical experience. We serve treatment modalities such as acupuncture, acupressure, Chinese herbal medicine, etc.
China Acupuncture Inc
9710 N. Armenia Ave., Suite A
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 932-2610
© 2008 China Acupuncture Inc