FAQ

How do I find Suite 6 at 300 E Hersey St in Ashland?

Suite 6 is in the first building on your left as you pull up the driveway into the business park.

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Do you bill insurance?

Yes, I am happy to bill your insurance. Insurance plans are highly variable in their benefits toward acupuncture, so it is a good idea to check your insurance benefits prior to your appointment. If you would like, you can call me with your insurance plan information, and I will check your benefits for you. I am applying to become in network with a number of health plans. Currently, I am in network with PacificSource Health Plans, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Providence, Cigna, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Oregon Health Plan (Fee for Service Plan only), Atrio Health Plan, Devoted Health, American Specialty Health Group, and Wellcare by Health Net.

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How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that will allow us access to your body.

• Be sure to eat a snack or small meal an hour or two before your appointment.

• If possible, avoid strenuous activity or exercise after your treatment. 

• Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before and after.

• Do drink plenty of water before and after your treatment.

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What does the initial visit consist of?

Together we will review your medical history, health concerns, and current medications.  Then, we will complete a Chinese medical intake and exam. The intake will include the 10 questions used to make a diagnosis in Chinese Medicine: preferred temperature/sweat, head/face symptoms, chest concerns, digestive function, elimination, urination, reproduction, mental/emotional state, lifestyle (diet/sleep/exercise/alcohol/drugs), and pain. The exam will include all appropriate orthopedic testing, observing the tongue, feeling the pulse at the wrist, and palpating the body as needed. A treatment plan is then discussed based upon the findings that will set measurable outcomes to meet your goals. This could include acupuncture, massage or accessory techniques, herbal and nutritional therapy, movement therapy, and lifestyle changes. Then, you will be made comfortable for your treatment, and I will guide you through the process before needling or providing any other therapeutic services.

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What will I feel?

Each person experiences acupuncture a little differently and will even vary for an individual from day-to-day. Depending on the issue being addressed, some people might benefit immediately, others might feel a difference in a few hours or days.  Patients are often pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and relaxing acupuncture can be. The needling sensations of heaviness, dullness, warmth, or achiness are often described at the site of insertion. At the end of a session, it is not uncommon to feel a sense of lightness, peacefulness, and calm. Your comfort is my priority, and non-insertive techniques are also effective and available.

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How many treatments will I need?

After your initial evaluation, you will be given recommendations on the number and frequency of treatments. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect. The frequency that acupuncture is needed depends heavily on what is being treated and patient compliance with the treatment plan. For more acute issues the sooner and more frequent, the better. Often in more chronic cases, more time between treatments may be preferred, but these details are dependent upon the individual practitioner's style of practice and the use of other modalities. 

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Do I need to "believe" in acupuncture for it to work?

This is a question we get a lot and the answer is nope! I appreciate a healthy skepticism and am happy to report that my skeptical patients have noticed benefits from acupuncture treatments too. I have noticed, however, that a person's Qi moves more easily when a person is relaxed, which translates to better treatment outcomes. See the services page for information on how acupuncture works.

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What if I want to learn more about acupuncture and Chinese medicine?

A great place to start is by reading Between Heaven and Earth by Efrem Korngold and Harriet Beinfield. Spark in the Machine by Dr. Daniel Keown is another great read!