Information

Find answers to frequently asked questions about acupuncture and how Daytona Acupuncture & Pain Management Center can help you. Explore common concerns, benefits, and what to expect during your treatments.

Frequently asked questions

Here you'll find answers to common questions about acupuncture at Daytona Acupuncture & Pain Management Center. We aim to address your concerns and provide clarity about our treatments and services. Understanding your needs is our priority.

What are the most frequent questions or concerns people have before trying acupuncture for the first time?

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing art of Chinese medicine. The acupuncturist inserts very fine needles into acupoints to balance the energy system of the body, which can significantly improve overall body condition.

What conditions can Acupuncture help with?

Many many conditions have been approved that Acupuncture can help with. World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized that Acupuncture is a valuable and readily method through over 2500 years of historical practice. During clinical practice, Acupuncture can significantly improve many conditions, such as Common Cold, Allergies, Body Injuries and Pain, Digestive Disorders, Headaches and Migraines, Diabetes, Stroke, Insomnia, Fatigue, Female Period Disorders, Infertility, and many other issues. Please visit the WHO official website or the National Institutes of Health (NIH) official website to find out more information.

What can I expect during my first appointment?

At the start of the appointment, the specialist will ask you a series of questions to establish various elements that could contribute to your health issues. The questions may include your sleep pattern, body temperature, bowel movements, quality of life, diet, and the condition of your sense organs, especially your eyes and ears. At the first evaluation, the specialist will be comprehensive and give you a first-time, 90-minute session during which you may be asked questions that you may find a little strange, but they are all related to establishing where your energy flow is blocked. Various things, like the state of your nails and skin, will be assessed to help determine the cause of your problems. Once you answer the questions, your Chinese traditional medicine specialist will know where to focus attention while administering the traditional therapy. Remember, the treatment restores your body's harmony by moving energy along its channels which may have become blocked for various reasons.

How should I do to preparing for an acupuncture session?

To prepare for the session, you need to take note of these points:
• Try to relax before the appointment so you are not stressed.
• Phone or make an appointment online with one of our highly skilled doctors.
• When you arrive for your initial consultation, please bring a list of your current medications and supplements, so the acupuncture specialist can determine what you are putting into your body.
• Ensure you eat two hours before your appointment so your food has a chance to settle.
• Arrive 10 minutes before your session so you can relax before your appointment.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing to ensure blood flow is not restricted, and the acupuncturist can access the various acupuncture points.
• Avoid drinking coffee or other caffeinated drinks before your appointment with the doctor.

What clothing should I wear for the treatment?
A two-piece set of pants and a loose top are best in terms of modesty and ease of access for the acupuncturist. To get the best result, acupuncturist practitioners will target specific points on the body which may not necessarily be at the actual site of the pain you are experiencing in order to get the energy flowing properly. Be prepared by wearing a pair of loose pants that can be rolled up to access points on the leg or easily rolled down to access points in the thigh area. Acupuncture points your specialist uses may include the lower legs and arms, abdomen, and back.

How long does an Acupuncture treatment take?

The first Acupuncture treatment usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The follow-up Acupuncture treatment is generally around 45 to 60 minutes. The actual duration may be different with other conjunction therapy.

How quickly can I see the improvement from Acupuncture treatment?

In general, I tell my patients they should start to feel the benefits from acupuncture in 2-3 treatments. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after 1 treatment, and may only need 3-5 treatments to resolve. If the problem is chronic and long term, it may take many treatments to help resolve.However, the level of improvement may be various based on the patient's overall condition.

How quickly can I see the improvement from Acupuncture treatment?

In general, I tell my patients they should start to feel the benefits from acupuncture in 2-3 treatments. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after 1 treatment, and may only need 3-5 treatments to resolve. If the problem is chronic and long term, it may take many treatments to help resolve.However, the level of improvement may be various based on the patient's overall condition.

Is Acupuncture treatment painful?

Acupuncture treatment requires Acupuncturist to insert fine needles into the body. Therefore, many people think it is very painful. However, patients generally only feel a bee sting-like sensation and it is very quickly going away. Patients may feel a certain level of heaviness, numbness, or slight soreness on some acupoints. Occasionally, Acupuncturist may seek better results by stimulating certain acupoints to have the patient acquire a stronger sensation..

 

What's one misconception about acupuncture you'd like to clear up for potential clients?

What should I do after treatment?

You should not view acupuncture as a quick fix, as it is a technique that helps maintain health and prevent disease. After treatment, you should avoid showering or swimming for approximately 7-8 hours. It's best to allow the flow of energy that has been cleared to remain unobstructed. If you experience pain, and your pain is acute (occurring within 72 hours), you can use cold compresses to relieve the pain. If it is chronic pain (lasting longer than 72 hours), warm compresses may be more effective. Your acupuncturist will provide appropriate advice and training programs based on your specific situation (which muscles your pain involves). To enhance the treatment's effects, it is recommended that you rest, engage in some gradual exercise, or receive a soothing massage.

Is Acupuncture has treatment side effects?

The opposite is true. Acupuncture has few to no side effects. At most, you might experience minor bruising or skin irritation, but you can have an acupuncture session and return to your normal routine without recovery time.

Is Acupuncture  only has pain-relief treatment?

While pain relief is a benefit, it’s also effective for conditions like: 

    • Allergies
    • Chemotherapy side effects
    • Depression
    • High blood pressure
    • Infertility
    • Menstrual cramping
    • Morning sickness
    • Nausea and vomiting

  • Do we accept insurance?

    We do accept all major medical insurances which include coverage for acupuncture, Workers' Comp, and any related therapeutic treatments. We can help you to check your insurance policy with any  coverage benefits. Please bring your insurance card with you to the treatment.This process can take up to 2-3 business days. Billing your insurance for you is a service we are happy to offer, but you, the patient, are responsible for payment of services. Co-pays and co-insurance are due at the time of service.

    Today many health insurance companies cover the cost of acupuncture treatments. We accept all major insurances including:

     

    Blue Cross Blue Shield (out-of-network)
    Humana (in-network)
    UnitedHealth Care (in-network)
    Veterans Affairs - VA (in-network）


    Each of these insurers offer different plans to choose from, some of which include acupuncture benefits and some of which may not, but we will help you find out if your plan covers our services.

    In order to best serve you. We can verify your insurance benefits before you arrive. Some of the answers that we will obtain for you are:

     

    Does your policy cover acupuncture?
    Does your coverage have any exclusions or limitations?
    Do you have in or out-of-network coverage?
    Do you have an annual deductible?
    Do you have a co-payment or co-insurance?
    Do you have an annual visit limit?

Does Medicare cover acupuncture?

Yes, but only for chronic lower-back pain.

Important information to read

 

Things to know:

Chronic low back pain is defined as:

  • Lasting 12 weeks or longer
  • Not having an identifiable cause (for example, not an identifiable disease like cancer that has spread, or an infectious or inflammatory disease)
  • Pain that isn't associated with surgery or pregnancy

Who should perform the acupuncture:

Treatments by a licensed acupuncturist don’t automatically qualify for Medicare coverage. That’s because CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) doesn’t recognize licensed acupuncturists as Medicare providers. Instead, Medicare requires you to be treated by a doctor or healthcare provider with certain key qualifications. According to CMS, these requirements include: You must get acupuncture from a doctor, or by another health care provider (like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant) who has both of these:

 

  • A masters or doctoral level degree in acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
  • A current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice acupuncture in the state where you're getting care

Your questions answered

Still have questions? Contact Daytona Acupuncture & Pain Management Center today. We're here to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.