We welcome questions and are ready to answer them! What follows are some of the most common questions and our answers. If your question or concern is not included, please contact us at the clinic closest to your location.
Definition of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese method of healing. Herbal therapies may be combined with acupuncture treatment. By combining Western knowledge and techniques, acupuncture has become an acceptable and sought after treatment for many disorders including neck and back pain.
How does it work?
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s immune and healing systems.
Does acupuncture hurt?
When practiced by a licensed, trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is extremely safe. As a system of health care, acupuncture already has some inherent safeguards. Because the treatment is drug-free, patients do not have to worry about taking several doses of a medication or suffering a possible adverse reaction.
Properly administered, acupuncture does no harm. However, there are certain conditions you should notify an acupuncturist about before undergoing treatment. Make sure your Health History Form and Clinic Forms are completed before your first visit.
What disorders does acupuncture treat? 
According to the World Health Organization, there are specific disorders treatable by acupuncture. Conditions treated include neck and back pain, headache, arthritis, and sports injuries.Is acupuncture safe? When practiced properly, acupuncture is safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires qualified practitioners to use sterile non-toxic needles.
What are the needles like?
Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, sterile, individually packaged, and disposable. The needles are disposed of according to Occupational 
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
How many visits are needed for effective treatment?
It may take several visits to see significant improvement or cure your condition. As with any treatment plan, however, make sure that your questions are answered completely, and that the treatment plan seems viable and reasonable. If you don’t understand a particular technique or type of treatment, please ask.
What are other acupuncture techniques?
Other acupuncture techniques include moxabustion (application of heat), Chinese massage (Tui Na), exercise, diet, herbs, and cupping (where a cup is applied to the skin, and the pressure in the cup is decreased, drawing the skin and muscles up into the cup).
Where do herbal medicines originate?
Herbal medicine comes from plants, animals, and minerals. Most herbs used in the United States come from plants. About 80-85% of traditional Chinese herbs are indigenous only to China.
What forms do herbs come in?
Herbs may be taken as tea, pills, tinctures, and powdered extracts.
How do herbs work?
Herbs are used to nourish deficiencies or sedate excesses in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), herbs are the primary method of treatment.
Why should I try acupuncture?
If you’ve tried other methods of treatment and they have not worked, or if you are looking for an alternative method of treatment that does not require prescription medications, acupuncture may be right for you.
How do I choose a qualified acupuncturist?
In Michigan your acupuncturist should be an RAc (Registered Acupuncturist). The Department of Licensing And Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has set forth strict registration standards. Each state has their own laws so check the practitioner’s training and professional affiliations.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Some insurance plans reimburse for acupuncture. Ask your insurance provider if they reimburse for treatment by a registered acupuncturist.