The following questions are the most comply asked. If you have a question not covered here, please send us an email, give us a call or come in for a free 15 minute consultation. We are here to assist you in any way we can. Simply ask.

Does it hurt?
The best way to understand how acupuncture feels is to experience it. Even those that have a fear of needles find acupuncture to be a generally comfortable process and soon become comfortable with the treatment. In general, acupuncture is a safe and comfortable procedure. Sensations typically felt include feeling nothing at all, heaviness, pressure, tingling, achy sensation. Some points are more sensitive than others. These sensation, called Deqi in Chinese Medicine are considered indications the needling of the point is effective. For most people, their frame of reference when it comes to needled are injections and IV’s. Over the years prior to my education in natural medicine, I have given many injections and started many IV’s, and had the misfortune of having people practice IV’s and injections on me. Rest assured, acupuncture has little in common with injections and IV’s.

Does Insurance cover acupuncture?
Over the years many insurance companies have begun coving acupuncture, but some don’t. Some companies will limit the number of appointment per year, for others it’s unlimited. We will be happy to contact your insurance company for you and provide you with the specifics. Workman’s compensation and auto insurance typically covers our services as well.

Do you bill insurance?
Yes! We are happy to bill your primary insurance company. We do not bill secondary insurance.

I don’t have insurance but would like to start treatment.  What options do I have?
This is a common question. Our goal is to help you regain your health. Besides insurance, we accept MasterCard and Visa and we offer a payment plan that is free of finance charges. Give us a call for additional information. We will help you in any way we can.

How much does it cost?
The cost varies with the service provided and the complexity of the problem. If you call we can give you a rough idea of costs, or come in for a free consultation and we can be much more specific.

How many treatments and how often?
This depends on the nature of the problem. As an example, most low back problems can be resolved within 6-7 treatments. This is an average. Some people, even those with long term pain, will experience substantial or complete relief in one or two treatments. For other they may receive 7 treatments and be 70 percent better, but since they continue to improve with each treatment, we will continue treatment. Internal medicine problems are often times handled with nutritional and herbal medicine and do not require acupuncture. In these cases its typically an initial appointment and the maybe once a month or every two months a follow up appointment is made until the problem is resolved. It’s not possible to be very specific because everyone is treated based on their particular needs. Come in for a free consultation and I can be more specific.

Where did you go to school?
I attended two schools: Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and American Institute of Hypnotherapy. I have had additional training in thermal imaging. Prior to this career I attended the University of California San Diego’s Mobil Intensive Care Paramedic program.

How long have you been practicing Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine?
I graduated in 1992 and have been in practice in Alaska since that time. I am one of the most senior practitioners in the state.

What can be treated?
This question is a little like asking your physician what can be treated by allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine is the dominant form of medicine in the West.Acupuncture & Oriental medicine and natural medicine in general is a complete form of medicine and treats a wide variety of problems. From pain and injuries, to asthma, high blood pressure, digestive problems, gynecologic problems, hormonal problems, neurologic and psychiatric problems and more. Some problems are treated very effectively; even problems considered untreatable by conventional approaches can be treated with natural medicine. On the other hand, there are problems that are poorly addressed by natural medicine. Because I have over 17 years of experience, I am able to know when you can be effectively treated and when you should be referred to another type of provider.

Are the needles disposable?
Yes. All needles are single use disposable needles. I use the finest brand available. They cost more, but they are the very best you can purchase and are generally more comfortable that less expensive needles.

Are you only treating symptoms?
This is a common misconception. Acupuncture, Oriental medicine, and Natural medicine in general, aims to treat the underlying problem, thus allowing your body to truly heal. But we also recognize the management of symptoms while bringing about deeper healing is important and is a priority of mine. Is herbal medicine safe; what if I am on medications? Properly utilized, herbal medicine is far safer than pharmaceuticals. Herbal medicine can treat many health conditions as well as pharmaceuticals or better, generally with minimal or no side effects. Some herbals and herbal formulas can even address health issues not treatable with pharmaceuticals.

Keep in mind you are taking an herb or herbal formula to impact your physiology. In essence this makes herbal compounds a drug, or at least you should think of them this way. There is a time and a place for their use. Improperly used there may be undesirable effects. Herb / nutrient / drug interactions is an extremely important area of study. Properly used, herbs can generally be used alongside pharmaceuticals. The key words are “Properly used”. Many health care providers have started using herbal medicine without proper education. If you are paying for their advice, and expect to be able to use herbs safely and effectively, find a practitioner with formal education in the proper use of herbs.

Will you work with my doctor in helping me achieve optimal health?
Absolutely. We work closely with many physicians and nurse practitioners.

What other treatments do you offer?
We offer a wide variety of treatments. These include: Acupuncture, Electro-acupuncture, various forms of Electrotherapy including the very effective Microcurrent electrotherapy, Laser therapy, Nutritional medicine, Custom prepared Chinese Herbal Medicine formulas, Western Herbal Medicine and diagnostically, Thermography for pain / injury assessment, Breast health assessment , Peripheral neurovascular assessment.

What is thermography?
Thermography (Breast Thermography) (Pain Thermography) is an exciting technology for assessing pain and injury, breast health, and peripheral vascular status. There is much to be said so please read the sections on thermography.