Frequently Asked Questions

What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a natural form of healthcare grounded in safe, effective and time-tested techniques. Its growing popularity and acceptance results in more pain relief for more patients with fewer negative side-effects. It also means healthier patients who live longer. By stimulating self-healing through a holistic approach to wellness and prevention, TCM offers truly patient-centered care.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are there any side-effects?
Most people feel some sensation during acupuncture, but not necessarily pain. When hair-thin needles are inserted by a trained professional, they can produce a feeling of heaviness—like a dull ache—or sensations such as warmth and tingling. Occasionally
the sensations can be stronger. Most people find acupuncture very relaxing. In fact, you may even fall asleep during your treatment! Acupuncture is generally a safe and natural method of treatment but it does have some side-effects including minor bruising at the insertion site and dizziness after treatment.

What does a treatment look like?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine solid stainless steel needles through the skin. A typical treatment includes needling eight to twelve points chosen on the basis of the patient’s constitution and symptoms. Each session is highly customized for you and your specific
health concern. Most points selected are on from the knees down, elbows down, head, back and abdomen. A patient typically rests for thirty minutes with the needles in. The theory behind resting with the needles is that the energy of the body takes twenty-eight minutes to make one complete cycle through the body; so as you rest for thirty minutes you guarantee that the energy has completed one full cycle thereby increasing effectiveness. Acupuncturists use many approaches to address your overall health in addition to your current symptoms. Acupuncturists also employ specific diagnostic techniques such as tongue and pulse diagnosis to understand the dynamics creating your health concern. Acupuncture is a science and an art. Four different patients may come in all presenting with migraine headaches. After an extensive health history and diagnostic undertaking each individual will most likely have different Chinese medical diagnosis and treatment. This will lead to the most effective treatment for each individual and speed up the results for that particular individual’s migraine presentation. This means acupuncture is deeply patient-centered in its approach to care.

How many treatments do I need?
Acupuncture is a gentle self-healing therapy that takes times before you will notice a positive change in your health. On average treatments begin at twice a week for two-three weeks. Change typically occurs between treatment four and treatment six depending on the individual and the severity of the health concern. After change is noted then patients receive treatment once a week. Ten to twelve treatments typical equal one course of treatment. Some patients continue on with once a month maintenance care. For females with menstrual related issues it can take three full menstrual cycles before the period is significantly improved however minor changes are typically noted the first cycle following treatment.

How does it work?
There is no known mechanism for acupuncture although many theories have been proposed.  According to Chinese medical theory, acupuncture promotes healthy circulation of blood and qi because, “Where there is free flow there is no pain, where there is pain there is no free flow.”  The scientific evidence base for acupuncture’s effectiveness continues to grow. It is clear that for pain conditions such a chronic low back pain, acupuncture treatment is both beneficial and safe. You do not need to believe in acupuncture for it to work but an open mind always makes for receptivity and a great patient.

Can acupuncture help with pain?
Yes! Acupuncture promotes healthy circulation of blood and Qi thus resolving pain. From a biochemical perspective, acupuncture analgesia is achieved by peripheral nerve stimulation that directs the brain to release endorphins, which in turn block pain pathways in the brain. The Department of Veterans Affairs, the World Health Organization, and an increasing number health insurance providers recognize acupuncture as an effective intervention for musculoskeletal pain. As a drug-free intervention with demonstrated lasting results,
acupuncture is an alternative for pain management without the potentially serious side effects as prescription drugs and surgery.

Does acupuncture help other conditions?
Yes! The World Health Organization recognizes the ability of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine to treat over forty-three common disorders including:

Will insurance cover my treatments?
Inquire directly with your insurance provider about your coverage. More and more private insurers reimburse for acupuncture treatments or provide discount programs for patients. Here at Dover Acupuncture we are providers for Veterans Choice and work with many insurance companies offering coverage. Please see Fee Schedule below for prices at Dover Acupuncture if you do not have coverage through your insurance company.

How much does it cost?
The initial evaluation and treatment typically lasts an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes as is $95. Follow up treatments are typically forty-five minutes to an hour and are $65.

What is an acupuncturist’s training?
The requirements to become a licensed acupuncturist include a minimum of three years
post-graduate studies in Acupuncture at a school that is recognized by the Accreditation
Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Acupuncturists graduate with a master’s in acupuncture and oriental medicine. Licensed acupuncturists have more than 2,000 hours of education and training, including over 1,000 hours of clinical experience including hundreds of hours of hands-on clinical training and observation hours.

Is acupuncture safe for children?
Kids may not like getting shots, but that doesn’t mean they won’t like acupuncture! Common pediatric complaints like earaches, bedwetting, ADHD and asthma all respond very well to TCM. Such treatments can include needling and non-needling techniques such as Tui Na massage. A practitioner who specializes in pediatrics may use acupuncture on children of all ages.
Every child should be assessed for readiness for acupuncture on a case-by-case basis.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes! Licensed acupuncturists are trained to know which points are helpful for pregnant women and which ones are to be avoided. It’s important to let your acupuncturist know if
you are pregnant, or if you think you might be, so that your treatment can be as safe as
possible for both mother and child. Acupuncture can help with several pregnancy-
related conditions including morning sickness, back pain, carpal tunnel, premature labor,
preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension), fatigue, heartburn, constipation, gestational diabetes and breach presentation.

Are Chinese herbs safe?
In the United States, unprocessed raw herbs are classified and regulated as foods by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is why Chinese medicinal herbs like garlic, ginger, and cinnamon are freely available at any local grocery store without a prescription. It is always advisable to consult with a trained herbalist so that your formula is tailored to you and your condition. This greatly increases effectiveness.