Q. Does The Place Called OM take health insurance?

A. We do not take heath insurance. If you would like to attempt reimbursement from your insurance provider we can provide a superbill to you at the time of your visit for you to submit to your insurance.

Q. Will my insurance company cover acupuncture?

A. Insurance coverage varies from state to state. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:

• Will my place cover acupuncture?

• How many visits per calando year?

• Do I need a referral?

• Do I have a copay?

• Do I have a deductible? If the answers is yes, has it been met?

Q. What is acupuncture?

A. Acupuncture relieves pain, promotes healing and addresses a wide range of health problems. It is an effective form of health care and has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine use this noninvasive medical system to diagnose common complaints like respiratory infections, digestive troubles, mental and emotional issues, physical pain, and much more. The goal of this dynamic, and integrative health care system is to activate the natural, self-healing abilities of your body and restore it back to normal functioning. This is usually done by stimulating specific acupuncture points.

Q. What are the most common treatment methods?

A. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile acupuncture needles into the skin. Other techniques such as as manual massage (Tai Na), moxibustion, cupping, heat therapy, electoral stimulation or topical herbal medicines can further enhance the effects of an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is safe, painless, effective, and a natural approach to getting well.

Q. What is Qi (Chee)?

A. At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi, or vital energy, circulates throughout specific pathways in the body called meridians. Qi helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Q. How does Qi travel?

A. Qi flows through 14 main meridians pathways. Each one is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers. When a river flows, it transports life-giving water that nourishes the land, plants, and people. In the same way, meridian pathways transport life-giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue, and muscle. When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one can enjoy good physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Q. What can affect it?

A. An obstruction of Qi anywhere in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow in one area and restricting it in others. Obstructions can be caused by numerous factors, including physical and emotional traumas, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents or excessive activities. The obstruction can hinder the distribution of nourishment the body requires to function optimally. However, when the disruption of Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, then illness, pain, or disease can set in.

Q. What will my acupuncturist do?

A. During your initial exam a full health history will be taken. Your acupuncturist will ask questions regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist may also check your pulse, tongue, and palpate specific areas to help further their diagnostic intake. This information is organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis to help alleviate your symptoms and signs, and help you achieve your healthcare goals.

After your initial exam, you may receive an acupuncture and other recommendations. Visits with your acupuncturist can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.

Q. Is acupuncture safe for children?

A. Yes, In some instances children actually respond more quickly to acupuncture than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or Tui Na.

Q. How many treatments will I need?

A. Treatment frequency and number of treatments needed depend on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take longer. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. They may suggest a specific number of treatments per week, monthly visits for health maintenance or seasonal “tune ups.”

Q. Why do they want to look at my tongue?

A. The tongue acts like a barometer, reflecting the health and well-being of your internal meridian and organ system. As with the pulse, an acupuncturist will observe general characteristics of the tongue that show how your body is functioning on a macro level. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.

Q. Why do they feel my pulse?

A. There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ system. An acupuncture keenly observes the characteristics that reflect your overall health, such as pulse rate, strength and “width” of each of your pulses. One of the benefits of pulse diagnosis is to provide the acupuncturist with the ability to make a differential diagnosis, meaning they can pinpoint which imbalance is causing which symptom.

Q. How safe is acupuncture?

A. Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding feelings of relaxation and well-being. The risk of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Side effects are relatively rare, but can include soreness, minor bleeding or bruising where the needle were inserted.

Q. What to expect?

A. Acupuncture needles are very small in diameter. They are approximately two times larger than the average diameter of a human hair and about 10 times smaller than the average diameter of a standard Western hypodermic needle. Many people avoid giving acupuncture a try, because they think the needles may hurt. The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. You may or may not experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache where the acupuncture needle has been inserted. Sometimes people experience a little discomfort as the needles are inserted, or a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called “Qi sensation.” All these reactions are good and a design the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

Q. Why did my acupuncturist recommend herbs?

A. Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. In order to build up your internal strength to receive acupuncture’s full benefits, your acupuncturist may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future.

Q. How should I prepare for my appointment?

A. Write down and bring any questions you may have. Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points. Do not eat large meals just before or after your visit. Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after visit. Avoid stressful situations. make time to relax and be sure to get plenty of rest. Between visits, make note of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in frequency and type of symptoms.

Q. What can acupuncture treat?

A. Acupuncture is recognized by leading national and international health organizations to be effective in treatment of wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the conditions acupuncture can help with:

• Acute Bacillary Dysentery

• Acute Epigastralgia

• Allergies

• Anxiety

• Arthritis

• Asthma

• Autoimmune Disease

• Back Pain

• Biliary Colic

• Breech Births Presentation

• Cancer Care

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Colds and Flu

• Conjunctivitis

• Dental Pain

• Depression

• Diabetes

• Digestive Disorders

• Facial pain

• Facial Rejuvenation

• Fertility

• Fibromyalgia

• Gastritis

• Hay Fever

• Headaches

• HIV / AIDS

• Hypertension

• Hypotension

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Induction of Labor

• Insomnia

• Knee Pain

• Leucopenia

• Menopause

• Morning Sickness

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Muscle Tension and Pain

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Neck Pain

• Opioid Dependency

• Peptic Ulcer

• Periarthritis

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• Postoperative Pain

• Pregnancy Care

• Primary Dysmenorrhea

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Radiation / Chemo Reactions

• Renal Colic

• Sciatica

• Sprains

• Stroke

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• Tennis Elbow

• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)

• Tobacco Addiction

• Weight Loss

Q. What to avoid when taking Chinese herbs?

A. In brief, when patients take Chinese medicine for any disorder, they should avoid raw, cold, greasy, spicy, barbecued, and fried oily foods.

Q. How long does it take for Chinese herbs to start working?

A. The effects of the medicinal herbs take time, usually around 2-3 weeks. They build up strength within the body. As they are natural, they don't have side effects.

Q. What time of day should I take Chinese herbs?

A. Our herbal practitioner will direct you when prescribing herbs; taking your herbs half an hour before food is always best. Mealtimes are the perfect reminder. However, if you need to take Chinese herbs after your meal, that's okay, too.

Q. Do Chinese herbs interact with medication?

A. Herbal medicines may affect the absorption of drugs through alteration of the gastrointestinal conditions, leading to changes in the bioavailability of a drug. This interaction may sometimes reduce therapeutic effects by decreasing drug bioavailability.

Q. What is Cupping?

A. Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. Cupping is used for many ailments including sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold. In this small glass or plastic “cups” over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. The cups may be moved over an affected area or left in place. Slight red circles or bruising could form after the cupping treatment is finished. But don’t worry, there is no need for alarm. The slight rising will dissipate in a few days.

Q. What is Tui Na?

A. Tui Na translates as “push grasp”. It is a massage technique that moves Qi in various parts of the body. Tui Na is used to relieve muscle pain, tension, inflammation and to heal injuries.

Q. What is Gua Sha?

A. Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area. This too may leave some slight redness that will dissipate in a few days to a week.

Q. What is Moxibustion or Moxa?

A. Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt or on a slice of ginger. This is used to “warm” acupuncture points or areas to quicken the healing process.

Q. What is Electro-Acupuncture or Estim?

A. Elecro-acupuncture is a treatment that refers to the application of pulsating electrical current to acupuncture points on the body. It is not actually transmitting a current through the body - only enough electrical stimulation for you to feel a slight pulsating sensation.

Q. What is AromaTouch Technique?

A. AromaTouch Therapy combines human touch's unique benefits with the power of essential oils. The experience is about emotionally connecting with another person to form feelings of trust and create an overall wellness experience.

Q. Can the AromaTouch Technique be performed on pregnent women?

A. A pregnant woman may find lying on their front uncomfortable; alternatives like side-lying or seated positions with slight posture adjustments to aid the receiver allow the entire technique to be still appropriately administered. If side-lying is also challenging, recipients can sit backward in a chair. Instead of working on the feet, we would perform the foot portion of the technique on the hands; however, we always recommend consulting with their physician. Essential oil use may not be recommended during pregnancy.

Q. What if someone is sensitive to an AromaTouch oil?

A. Using oils other than the carefully chosen products as substitutes could cause alterations in the aromas created when applied. Rather than substituting products, we omit oils sensitive to. We apply Fractionated Coconut Oil to the skin during the AromaTouch Technique to prevent irritation and dilute products already on the skin.

Q. How often can a person receive the AromaTouch Technique?

A. Individual responses vary, but limit to one full technique daily. This allows time to integrate the experience.

Q. What are Ear Seeds?

A. Ear Seeds are Vaccaria seeds or metal pellets on latex and clear latex-free tape. The specific points on the ear are stimulated, which is believed to be a microsystem of the entire body. There are points on the ear for everything from emotional to physical and from internal organs to the tips of your fingers.

Q. How long do I leave the ear seeds on for?

A. We recommend having the ear seeds on for approximately five days. After five days, gently remove and wash with soap and water to remove adhesive and oils. After removing the seeds, allow the skin to rejuvenate for 8-24 hours before replacement with fresh EarSeeds.

Q. Do ear seeds hurt?

A. Ears seeds are applied to the ear with an adhesive. In most cases, the application is painless. The seeds or surgical steel ball can cause slight tenderness on areas of the ear. The most common discomfort is while sleeping with the head's weight placing added pressure on the ears or during an emotional state. In those instances, gently remove the ear seed and rest.

Q. The Ear Seeds Are Not Sticking Well On My Ear!

A. First, use the included tweezers to pinch just the corner of your ear seeds and touch as little of the tape as possible. Once the tape touches your ear, it cannot be moved and re-secured. It won’t stick well.

Next, be sure your ears are thoroughly cleaned and dry. Use an alcohol swab to clean the entire outer ear gently. Be sure your ears are completely dry before applying the ear seeds.

Q. How Long Until I See Results?

A. Ear Seeds have been shown to work immediately for some individuals with certain conditions and take longer, up to a few weeks with multiple sessions, with others. Listen to your body. Auriculotherapy is a single modality that can help, but they are not a magic pill. 

Q. Are There Any Side-Effects Or Contraindications?

A. If pregnant, please consult your doctor before using Ear Seeds.

If skin irritation occurs from the ear seeds, or if swelling should occur, remove the ear seeds immediately and contact your doctor if symptoms persist. The tan tape ear seeds contain latex and should not be used by those with a latex allergy.

Sometimes, when a point is “active,” the ear seed will make the ear feel sore, tender, and sensitive to touch. This is normal. If discomfort persists, you can remove the seeds and reapply later. This discomfort is different than a skin irritation. Some extremely sensitive people may occasionally experience slight nausea or dizziness upon application. This should disappear within the first few minutes after application.

Never place Ear Seeds inside the ear canal.

Ear Seeds can be used with herbs and other ingestible medications without concern for contraindications.

Q. How does Low-Level Laser (3LT®) work?

A. Photonic stimuli excite the body’s cells infusing them with energy, with the three primary reactions being, reduction of inflammation, cell function and increased blood flow.

Q. What is it used for?

A. The potential applications of low-level laser (3LT®) are almost limitless, however; to date Erchonia has received market clearance for Neck and Shoulder Pain, Breast Augmentation, Acne, Laser Assisted Liposuction, and Non-Invasive Body Contouring.  Erchonia continues to conduct clinical trials on other applications.

Q. What is low-level laser therapy (3LT®)?

A. Low-level laser therapy is the use of low-intensity photonic energy as a treatment modality.

Q. What are the benefits of low-laser therapy?

A. Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive, fast, and effective modality that has been proven in clinical trials to reduce pain, reduce edema, and promote healing.

Q. How safe is low-level laser therapy (3LT®)?

A. Low-level laser therapy has is very safe; the only general precaution is the use of special filtering glasses when a class 3B laser is in use.

Q. How deep into the tissue can laser light penetrate?

A. The depth of penetration is dependent on multiple factors, including mass and density, however since a low-level laser has been proven in clinical studies to affect subcutaneous cells, the point is a low-level laser does penetrate, as opposed to the heat lamp devices that do not.

Q. What the difference is between pulsed vs. constant wave?

A. As their names imply, a constant wave is a continuous emission of laser energy, without disruption, for the length of time the device is ON. Pulsed wave is controlled breaks in the wave, at predefined and programmed intervals.

Q. What is hertz as it relates to low-level lasers?

A. The predefined, controlled breaks in the laser emission, measured by the number of breaks per second, equals hertz.

Q. Is low-level laser therapy painful?

A. No, most people do not feel anything.  For those that have reported a feeling, it is nothing more than a slight tingling.

Q. How is low-level laser therapy administered?

A. The mechanics of low low-level laser therapy is administered is based on the indication for use; however, the general process is the probe containing the laser diode(s) are held in place or moved gently over the treatment area at a distance of anywhere from 4” – 12.”

Q. How long does it take for the laser to heal or improve a condition?

A. This is dependent of the application; however, progress is immediately evident.

Q. What’s the difference between Lasers vs. LED?

A. Erchonia 3LT® devices used electric diodes, which are high end, culminated and strictly measured within a plus/minus .05%.  LEDs are inexpensive, non-focused wide range light sources.  The primary difference is in performance and depth of penetration.  Laser diodes penetrate, working subcutaneously, LEDs do not affecting the surface only.

Q. Are there any conditions which would prevent me from low-level laser treatment?

A. There are no code-regulated contraindications; however, since there are no long-term evaluations on certain conditions, Erchonia does not recommend use on pregnant women or persons with a pace maker.

Q. Does low-level laser therapy cause heat damage or cancer in the tissue?

A. No, low-level laser by virtue of design is non-heat producing and does not alter the cell structure.  The laser irradiation is non-ionizing, meaning it does not collect in the tissue.

Q. Are there any side effects?

A. Some persons have reported a sense of deep relaxation that may cause drowsiness.

Q. Are there any complications to the treatments?

A. There are no known and published adverse effects of low-level laser therapy.