History

Acupuncture's history is believed to have originated over 2500 years ago in the eastern part of the world, likely China and Japan. Some believe that many other parts of the world were experimenting with it as well, due to wall paintings and fossil remains. In ancient China it was viewed as an elite method of medicine, as the Emperors were the only ones allowed to receive such treatment. In the early days of acupuncture, the technique was performed using "bian," a thin stone, shaped like a needle. In 1972, during Richard Nixon's visit to China, a New York Times journalist, James Reston, suffered appendicitis and was treated at a local hospital with acupuncture and moxibustion. After this experience the use of acupuncture grew and become more widespread throughout America.

Technique

Acupuncture is an ancient form of alternative medicine that uses very tiny needles inserted at certain points in the body to relieve a person of dysfunction. There are 12 organs that lie in the visceral cavity and each one of those organs is represented in the body with a meridian or energy channel. Each energy channel has a specified number of points based on the organ channel it represents. The heart channel has only 9 points while the urinary bladder has 67. The energy within each point is often referred to as "qi," pronounced "chee," which is usually the sensation you feel once the needle is inserted. One way to better understand how each acupuncture point addresses an illness is to compare it to western medicine. In western medicine, a doctor may prescribe a medication to treat an illness. Similarly, in acupuncture each acupuncture point has its own prescription or action on the body. For instance, Urinary Bladder 67 is used to turn a malposition fetus or a breach baby.

What you should expect

Today very small filiform (solid), disposable needles are used as part of your treatment. These needles are as thin as hair and will sometimes cause a small electrical sensation (qi), depending on the point used. My style of needling is gentle and relaxing for you. The severity of your condition usually determines how many needles will be used. Initial consultations can range from 1.5 hours to 2 hours, and follow-up visits can vary from 45 minutes to an hour. Allow yourself enough time for a successful treatment.

Education

Going to acupuncture school is a very rigorous commitment. Each state of practice will determine how many years of study are required. In the state of New Jersey, the law requires an undergraduate degree and at least three years of full time study at an accredited acupuncture school. In order to graduate acupuncture school you must treat minimally 350 patients. The total amount of time required to become an Acupuncturist is only one year less than that of a physician.

Payment and Insurance

Please call to discuss fees.

I do accept check or cash only. I have created a checklist for your convenience which will help when calling your insurance provider. If you are able to verify coverage, I can create a bill for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.