FAQs
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of holistic health that has been successfully used to treat a variety of conditions for thousands of years. Using specific acupuncture points, which appear to relate to minute nerve endings, along meridians (channels or pathways) of the body, we are able to affect the electrical, nervous and neurotransmitter systems of the body, thereby enhancing communication systems within the body and inviting healing along the entire mind-body-spirit spectrum. This interconnected, holistic perspective recognizes the interweaving of physical and emotional symptoms and achieves significant improvement for both. It is a detailed, specific medicine that is both a science based on empirical observation and data and an art of listening, perceiving and seeing the whole person.
Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system, so we use acupuncture as well as herbal medicine to treat any and all health issues. This is a wonderful form of medicine used on its own or in conjunction with your allopathic medical care, treatments and medications.
How many treatments should I receive?
Acute issues, such as pain, respond quickly and are typically resolved within one to three treatments. A general rule of thumb for chronic or internal problems is four to six weekly treatments. While patients often experience immediate relief after treatment, they may require care every other week or once per month for several months to sustain improvement. The length of treatment needed depends largely on how long an issue has been present. Changes in diet and lifestyle have great significance in the speed and longevity with which one’s health improves.
What is your cancellation policy?
We request as much notice as you can give us so we can fill our practitioners’ openings. If you cancel in less than 24 hours, you will be billed a cancellation fee of 50% the treatment cost.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We prefer payment by credit, debit and health savings account card. We also accept checks.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
That depends on your insurance policy. When you call your insurance company, it is usually a straightforward answer as they are likely to cover a certain number of treatments if it is covered at all.
If your insurance covers acupuncture, you will still be responsible for payment in full at the time of your treatment as we do not process insurance claims. However, we are happy to provide superbills, detailed statements that include your diagnosis and procedure codes, so that you may be reimbursed by your insurance company. The rate at which your insurance company will cover treatment and reimburse you is up to them.
Please note: Sarah Welch is an in-network provider with United Healthcare. If you would like to use United Healthcare benefits, please email or complete the insurance verification form.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes! What a wonderful gift to help the loved ones in your life feel their best. You can purchase emailed gift cards at this link or call us if you would like to pick up or have us mail a paper version.
Can you accommodate patients with wheelchairs?
While we are not fully ADA compliant due to the restrictions of an older building, we do have a ramp and are typically able to accommodate patients with wheelchairs. Please let us know before your appointment so we can schedule you at a time when the most accessible room is open. We also encourage you to schedule at our Mt. Pleasant location, which is a newer building that is fully ADA compliant.
How do you take my pulse?
A fundamental piece of Chinese Medicine diagnostics, many patients wonder what we’re feeling for when we take their pulse. Different from allopathic medicine, we aren’t just counting. We’re feeling for strengths and qualities at three different positions and three varying depths which relate to the meridians and their corresponding organs. Together with the appearance of the tongue and a patient’s signs and symptoms, we decide on our diagnosis and develop our treatment strategy.
Some of the common qualities we feel for: thin, choppy, tight, wiry, full, slippery, excess and deficient. There are many more. Try feeling your own pulse and see what you notice.
This is a subtle practice. As we listen into the body, it is also an excellent time for us to become quiet and still as practitioners so that we can be more present, alert and intuitive in response.
This is a beautiful medicine.
Why do you look at my tongue?
Stick out your tongue, please! Amongst the apologies for the state of said tongue, a frequently asked question for practitioners of acupuncture is “What are you looking for on my tongue?” Simply put, the tongue is one of the few organs that we are able to easily access and assess that tells us a story of the disharmonies occurring inside the body. So what do we look for on the tongue that can give us information?
Body Shape: We look for what type of shape the tongue has and other descriptors such as: thin, large, puffy, tooth marks/ scalloped, fissured, wrinkled, or rough.
Color: Color is very important as it can tell us what is happening in a region or systemically. We look for signs of heat, cold, blood stasis, blood vacuity or fire. The colors range from normal/ pink, pale, red, purplish, blue, black, crimson and dusky.
Tongue Coating or Fur: This is why acupuncturists don’t want you brushing your tongue before you go to an appointment, the coating gives valuable information.
Tongue coating can vary from, thick, thin, white, gray, yellow, brown, wet, dry or no coating at all.
Other signs we may look for are: a tongue that is trembling, deviates to one side, sublingual vein color and distention, shortened or protruded, stiff or tender.
Combinations of these signs help us hone in on what the root cause of illness is. The tongue is divided into regions of organ systems within the body, so it can be useful to point us in the direction of what system may be causing an issue.
So, when you come in for treatment, don’t be embarrassed to stick out your tongue. Let it hang out proudly, knowing that this only helps you in your process of healing by giving the practitioner more information to help diagnose correctly, and create the best plan for you!
Should I tip for acupuncture?
Tipping is not necessary for acupuncture. Tips for massage are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your patronage!