Frequently Asked QuestionsThanks for your interest in acupuncture! Visiting a Licensed Acupuncturist is a new experience for many people in this area. The following information should help answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this ancient form of healthcare. WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?Acupuncture is the practice of inserting tiny needles into the body at specific points along pathways called meridians in order to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Traditional Chinese medical theory says that acupuncture rebalances the body’s flow of energy, or life force, called Qi (chee). Other theories explain acupuncture as a method of interfacing with the nervous system to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, to increase the activity of the body’s natural painkillers, to improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and to influence regulatory activities within the body. WHO CAN HAVE ACUPUNCTURE?Most anyone can be treated with acupuncture. However, insurance restrictions require that the following groups of people CANNOT receive acupuncture from Kay Mondin: anyone under 18 years of age, women who are pregnant, people who have seizure disorders such as epilepsy, and anyone who has a bleeding or clotting disorder such as hemophilia. In addition, people who take prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin/Warfarin will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine their eligibility to receive acupuncture treatment. DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S PERMISSION OR REFERRAL?No. Illinois is an independent practice state. This means that Licensed Acupuncturists can work independently, without being overseen by an MD, and that people can choose to visit a Licensed Acupuncturist without an MD’s permission or referral. HOW MUCH DOES ACUPUNCTURE COST?Your first visit costs $40.00 and any subsequent visits cost $30.00 each. Payment in full is expected at the conclusion of each treatment and can be made by cash, check, Mastercard, or Visa. (Cash and check payments are especially appreciated due to the high fees associated with credit cards!) IS ACUPUNCTURE PAINFUL?No. Acupuncture is nothing like getting a shot or having blood drawn because the needles are of a completely different design. Hypodermic needles are large in diameter, inflexible, and have a beveled tip designed to cut as the needle is inserted into the skin. Acupuncture needles are less than a millimeter in diameter, very flexible, and taper to a cone-shaped point at the end so that they sink into the skin without cutting. ARE THOSE NEEDLES CLEAN?Absolutely! Acupuncture needles are sterile (completely germ-free) inside their packaging and each needle is used only once. An acupuncturist opens a needle’s packaging right before it is to be used and then places it in a patient’s skin. When the needle is removed it is immediately disposed of in a red biohazard container and never, ever used again. SOME CHIROPRACTORS OFFER ACUPUNCTURE. IT’S ALL THE SAME, RIGHT?No. The vast majority of area chiropractors are only “certified” in acupuncture. In the state of Illinois, this means that they have attended two entry-level acupuncture classes. On the other hand, a Licensed Acupuncturist such as Kay Mondin has a three- year Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine (which includes both classroom instruction and over 900 hours of hands-on, clinic experience) from an accredited school of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. A Licensed Acupuncturist must pass a three-part National Board exam, be nationally certified in clean needle technique, and must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for license renewal every two years. WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?Acupuncture is especially great at treating all kinds of pain and reducing stress. It can decrease neck/shoulder/upper back tension, sinus congestion and discomfort, digestive complaints, anxiety, and symptoms of menopause. People suffering from chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and IBS often find that acupuncture decreases their symptoms and increases their quality of life better than medical treatment alone. In recent years, studies have shown that acupuncture can increase success rates for women going through IVF. Even branches of the US military have gotten on the acupuncture bandwagon by incorporating auricular (ear) acupuncture points as a means to provide quick stress relief treatments for troops on the ground. These are just a few examples of conditions and situations where acupuncture can be of help. The best way to find out if acupuncture will work for your particular problem is to try it! HOW MANY ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS WILL I NEED? HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED THEM?Acupuncture is a gentle and gradual process. It works by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms and the effects are cumulative, with each treatment building upon the previous one. It’s wonderful when people feel great right after their first treatment, but to get these results to “stick,” a series of acupuncture treatments is typically required. Here are some general guidelines:
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?Yes. Appointments are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays appointments are available in the afternoon and evening. Call 618-531-7307 for scheduling. WHAT ELSE SHOULD A PERSON KNOW ABOUT THEIR FIRST VISIT?Here are a few additional things you might find helpful to “know before you go.”
DISTRACTIONS – Again, make yourself and your health a priority by turning off your phone and leaving the kids at home. |
