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Some common questions about acupuncture are answered below. Call us at our Boise office if you have other concerns or interested in improving your life through acupuncture treatment or Traditional Chinese Medicine.(Browse TCM Services)
Help me understand acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.
An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body which improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
What will my acupuncturist do?
During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits with your acupuncturist may last from thirty to ninety minutes.
Why do they want to feel my pulse?
There are twelve pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking for twenty-seven individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.
Why do they want to look at my tongue?
The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.
Why did my acupuncturist recommend herbs?
Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Your practitioner may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer.
Is acupuncture safe for children?
Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, our Boise acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points using Sho Ni Shin. This is called acupressure or tuina, a type of pediatric acupuncture. Sho Ni Shin is a gentle, non-invasive yet powerful Japanese style acupuncture therapy that uses non-insertion needles and other tools. Used for children and very sensitive individuals.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.
Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.
Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
Insurance coverage varies from state to state. Contact your health insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:
- Will my plan cover acupuncture?
- How many visits per calendar year?
- Do I need a referral?
- Do I have a co-pay?
- Do I have a deductible?
- If yes, has it been met?
How should I prepare?
- Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
- Do not eat large meals just before or after your visit.
- Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
- Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
- Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.
How are acupuncturists educated?
Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.
What can acupuncturists treat?
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:
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What our patients are saying
Callie is amazing! Her knowledge of Chinese medicine is extensive and her presence is very calm and welcoming. I thoroughly enjoyed my acupuncture session and recommend her to anyone seeking an intuitive and knowledgeable therapist. I will be back!
Crystle Lynne Logan
One of the most gifted healers and acupuncturists I have ever encountered. Callie is a natural.
Gloria Ravi Inder Overcash
I've been having acupuncture, chiropractic, massage and many other types of wholistic touch type therapies for years. I had my first acupuncture session with Callie a few days ago and found it one of the best I've ever received. I highly recommend her and I will definitely go back. A couple of days later now, I no longer have neck pain, I'm feeling much more balanced and my sleep has improved. Boise is lucky to have Callie.
Judy R
Callie is an amazing acupuncturist! From the thorough intake to the amazing sessions, I really felt and experienced positive changes with my shoulder issues. The sessions are very relaxing and vitalistic, which is what I look for in a healer. I like working with someone who looks at helping facilitate healing within the body, and I really got that with Callie. I highly recommend her!
Amy M
Callie is one of a kind. A true gem on your path to health. She helped to rebalance me in some incredible ways. I apologize for the TMI, but I don't know how else to express that I had some female issues. Didn't get my period in months. With Callie's guidance, I was flowing once again. That's not all she did for me either. I would not only recommend her, I will continue to see her for my health maintenance. See her, you won't regret it!
Waffle Art
Callie is an amazingly gifted TCM practitioner. I have a sensitive system and am very particular when it comes to having anyone work with me. From her thorough intake process to her meticulous, compassionate process of treatment and her knowledge of elements and cures, Callie is by far one of the best I’ve ever been to in over 20 years. Boise is lucky to have her services!