WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACUPUNCTURE AND OTHER TYPES OF HEALTHCARE?
Acupuncture works well in conjunction with most other therapies including western medicine. Chinese and western medicines are not substitutes for each other; they are complementary. Whereas western medicine may heroically rescue us when a crisis arises, Chinese Medicine can protect us and ward off disease by strengthening us and 
our immune system and also help with both recovery and side effects of treatment. It can also be effective with chronic complaints, where the medications available may have strong side effects. Often the need for medications will decrease with acupuncture treatment; however, all changes in medication are done in consultation with your physician.
CHILDREN, ADOLESCENSTS AND ACUPUNCTURE
Children of all ages respond very well to acupuncture and acupressure. Based upon Classical techniques we have developed successful treatment programs without using needles. We treat physical, mental and emotional issues of illnesses such as ADD, Turettes, and autism and compulsive behavior as well as the physical problems of childhood, and problems adapting to big changes such as divorce, or death, including acting out, withdrawal, self-destructive actions and grief.
5 ELEMENT HEALTHCARE:
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT, SCHEDULING AND COST
WHAT IS A TREATMENT LIKE?
The initial session consists of a very thorough patient history and non-invasive diagnostic exam in which we get to know you and really understand your particular situation. This takes a double session lasting about an hour and a half and usually includes an initial treatment to begin to remove blockages to energy flow. After this, treatments will last about forty-five minutes and include a discussion of progress, patient reassessment and treatment. Overall, patients look forward to their treatments as a place to relax deeply, process worries and tensions, and focus on a return to health.
WHAT ABOUT THE NEEDLES?
WHAT ELSE IS USED?
Only the finest pre-sterilized, disposable needles are used, and treatments are relatively painless, as the needles are incredibly thin – about the thickness of a human hair, and slide easily into the points just below the skin. Occasionally there is a short, specific cramping sensation, or a dull momentary ache. Sometimes heat is applied in a technique called “moxibustion” where warmth is induced into specific areas using the herb Artemisia. Overall, our patients consider any momentary discomfort worth the benefit. In cases where needles are not well tolerated, we have developed other successful techniques without the use of needles.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL BE NEEDED?
In Chinese Medicine, each person is regarded as an individual. Each session will be designed around you and how your energy is changing. Generally, people come for one or two sessions per week, tapering off as they become more balanced and symptoms disappear. A general rule of thumb might be one month of treatment for every year a symptom has persisted, although this can vary. We usually tell patients to allow for at least five treatments to begin to make an impact on significant symptoms.
You may also find that acupuncture has the side effect of clearing up other nagging but less significant symptoms as treatment progresses, such as sleeplessness or problems in elimination. Acupuncture often fits well as a resource in a patient’s life after the main symptoms disappear, providing seasonal tune-ups and a way of strengthening when needed.
COSTS AND INSURANCE
The initial double length session is charged as a double session. Thereafter, treatments are charged as single sessions. Please call our office for rates.
Monthly statements for insurance companies to reimburse you are supplied upon request. To find out if your insurance policy covers acupuncture, we recommend asking your carrier the following question, “Under what circumstances does my policy cover acupuncture?” Many of our patients are covered at this time and the movement in insurance companies seems to be toward coverage, as acupuncture tends to lower your overall healthcare costs.
SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT
We invite you to schedule an initial visit and begin treatment. If you have specific questions about your situation, or wish more information, or want to ask about how acupuncture may help you, feel free to ask.
Please call 212-989-3566 in New York and 631-537-8163 on the East End of Long Island and the Hamptons.
