HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
It depends on each case. Certainly a course of treatment is required for most cases. In general if the ailment is acute and in early stage (e.g. acute backache or stiff and painful neck that occurred just recently), you may need only a few treatment to be completely relieved. If it is a chronic case you have been suffering for months or years, you may need at least 7 ~ 10 sessions or more. Usually you should notice some improvement after 3 ~ 4 sessions in most chronic cases.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE TREATMENT?
Usually we advise our patients to have treatment once every 4 ~ 7 days, depending on the problems.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE ACUPUNCTURE
JUST FOR HEALTH MAINTENANCE?
Now more and more people are realizing that acupuncture is one of the best ways to maintain their health in optimum condition. Many people visit this acupuncture clinic regularly for that purpose, and usually having acupuncture treatment once a month or every other month is just fine.
DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believing the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward well may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE CAUSE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Basically no, as long as the therapist is well-trained and knows exactly what he or she is doing. In North America there are many medical practitioners, including MDs, Chiropractors, Physios and nurses who start practising acupuncture after having done only several weekends training. If you happen to be one their patients or "guinea pigs" for acupuncture, it may cause some fatal accidents like pneumothorax (punctured lung), syncope (faint) and needle break in the muscles, etc. You should always enquire as to the training of an acupuncturist or a medical practitioner who does acupuncture and ensure that they have studied and done clinical training for a minimum 3 years full time or the part-time equivalent.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN?
Definitely Yes, as long as you go to an acupuncturist who knows how to treat pregnant women.Pregnant women tend to suffer from various symptoms peculiar to pregnancy such as morning sickness, swelling of the extremities, backache, sleeping disorders, etc. Usually they are not allowed to take any medication for these problems because of possible harm to the fetus. Fortunately acupuncture and moxibustion work very well for these problems without casing any side effects. It helps not only the mother but also enhance healthy development of the fetus, mainly because of its powerful effect on immunity. Dr.Kokubo is very well experienced in treating pregnant women.The following is a thank you card we just received from one pregnant woman who was very happy with the result of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for her sciatica:
Dr.Kokubo,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for alleviating my sciatic pain. After a year of trying different methods, including massage therapy, chiropractic, physio therapy & anti inflamatories, I had all but given up hope. (after having several acupuncture treatments) Even with my pregnancy, I have been pain free for over a month now. Thank you!!
Sincerely, Wendy Milne
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Currently here in Ontario, Canada, Universal medical insurance OHIP does not cover acupuncture treatment yet. However, recently major private insurances have started covering acupuncture treatment for a certain amount of fee. Also if you belong to a particular union, their group insurance may reimburse your fee payment for acupuncture. Enquire about it before you visit us. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.
You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.
