Insurance Coverage
FAQ on Medical Acupuncture
Insurance Coverage
FAQ on Medical Acupuncture
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
The Medical Chinese Classics' explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others.
The meridians are influenced by needling the acupuncture points. The acupuncture needles unblock the obstruction at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities. Acupuncture can also help in the circulation of energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulation of the body's own natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Acupuncture has an amazing history that has made it the world's oldest contemporary medical system. "More people have been treated by acupuncture than by all other systems of medicine combined." (According to Dr. David Brestler, director of UCLA's Pain Center.)
The science and art of acupuncture is a 5000 year old healing method. It has a long history and development, and it was practiced in China 3000 years before Christ. The term itself was derived by the 15th century Jesuit Missionaries in China from the Latin words "acus" meaning needle and "puncture" meaning puncture. Acupuncture was developed by clinical research in acupuncture physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. In other words, it is a coming together of modern international medical science with classical acupuncture medicine.
In March of 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States of America approved acupuncture as a medical treatment method. Because of this great demand and scientific research, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) incorporated acupuncture into mainstream medicine in April, 1997. In July of 1997, Senate Bill 212 was signed into law, which indefinitely include acupuncturists in the definition of "physician" for the treatment of injured employees entitled to worker's compensation medical benefits. SB 212 will ensure that patients have the freedom to choose treatment from a healthcare provider that is most appropriate to their needs. In November, 1997, the American Health Counsel publicly claimed acupuncture to be good for the treatment of pains, nausea, asthma, and arthritis. Acupuncture has proven to be an effective treatment and a valuable medicine.
WHAT ARE THE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES LIKE?
Acupuncture has an amazing history that has made it the world's oldest contemporary People experience acupuncture needles differently. Some patients feel no pain at all when the needles are inserted, and some patients experience minimal pressure. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid, and are made from stainless steel. The point of the needle is smooth (Acupuncture needles are smooth, not hollow like hypodermic needles. Hollow needles increases the risk of skin bruising and skin irritation.), and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling.
At Natural Medicine Center
we use disposable needles only!
Guaranteed!
BABY ACUPUNCTURE
Safe and Effective for Infants, Toddlers and Small Children
Acupuncture is painless and even little babies, toddlers and small children get treatments at our office - which is proof that the needles do not hurt and that acupuncture results are REAL and LASTING, because babies cannot play mind games or feel "placebo" effects.
Babies
(click on photo to read
testimonial)
(click on photo to read
testimonial)
This smiling baby has needles in his back and is undergoing an acupuncture treatment.
(click on photo to read
testimonial)
This baby is getting acupuncture in her arms and legs and drinking herbal medicine for her eczema and skin condition.
(click on photo to read
testimonial)
|
DURING ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT |
DURING ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT |
Toddlers
This toddler has needles in his lower back and on the inside of the ankles
and is undergoing an acupuncture treatment.
Small Children - read testimonial
The most important historical effects that acupuncture has been noted for is in the regulation of the functions and of normalization. It increases the resistance of the body by enhancing the capabilities of the body. Acupuncture has such a powerful pain killing effect that it is now used in surgical operations as the only anesthetic. Already more than two million surgical operations have been performed with acupuncture as the only anesthetic.
Acupuncture normalizes the functions of the body. For example, constipation and diarrhea are two extremities of abnormal bowel movement. The normalizing effect of acupuncture can be observed as fine needles are placed in exactly the same locations for either conditions. This cannot happen with Western medicine because diarrhea can never be treated with laxatives. This effect of acupuncture indicates that it is a natural way of healing the illness by working with the body rather than on the body. With acupuncture, the patient will not have to learn to live with an ailment. Many patients have been told to see a psychiatrist because no physiological disorder can be found or treated by known methods, even though the patient fervently attests that he/she is in tremendous pain or discomfort. Sometimes they are simply told to learn to live with it. Something can be done and has been done, because acupuncture has helped in cases where other methods of treatment have failed. Acupuncture treats the causes as well as the symptoms of an illness. You don't have to just live with it anymore!
HEALTH
INSURANCE COVERS ACUPUNCTURE
California state law, Senate Bill 2179, effective January 1985, requires health care services plans, nonprofit hospital service plans, and disability to offer acupuncture coverage. It includes every health insurance company, health care service plan, non-profit hospital service plan, and every insurer issuing group disability insurance, which covers hospital, medical, or surgical expenses. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits.
On Monday, July 21, Senate Bill 212 was signed into law. SB 212 will definitely include acupuncturists in the definition of "physician" for the purpose of treating injured employees entitled to worker's compensation medical benefits. SB 212 will ensure that patients have the freedom to choose treatment from a healthcare provider that is most appropriate to their needs. Acupuncture has proven to be a safe and effective treatment and a valuable means of getting patients back into the work force.
HOW
MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For more complex or long standing conditions, two or three treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required. For health maintenance, one treatment a month may be all that is necessary.
To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
The Don'ts:
Don't over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages right before or right after your treatment.
Don't eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
Don't be under the control of substances. Substance abuse (drugs or alcohol) will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments, especially in the week prior to treatment.
The Dos:
Do plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
Do remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your acupuncturist to know so that the following treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.
Do remember that good and long term results take time. Do not expect to feel better immediately. Some patients recover quickly, while others respond gradually over a period of time.
ACUPUNCTURE
IS USED ALL OVER THE WORLD
In terms of healing through the neuro-hormonal systems of the body, acupuncture has been proven to be one of the most effective and safest methods by countries in both Western and Eastern hemispheres. Researchers in China, Korea, Japan, India, Germany, France, Britain, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Russia, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, and Australia have reported marvelous results achieved by acupuncture. In addition, many nations support active research programs in the physiology and therapy of acupuncture. These countries are Russia, North and South Korea, and Japan.
ACUPUNCTURE
IS USED TO TREAT A WIDE RANGE OF MEDICAL PROBLEMS
The National Institute of Health in the United States also offered funds for acupuncture research. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
Digestive Disorders: gastritis, hyperacidity, ulcer, colitis, constipation, spastic colon, IBS, dysentery, and diarrhea.
Respiratory Disorders: sinusitis, allergies, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and chest infections.
Neurological and Muscular Disorders: headaches, bell’s palsy, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, lower back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, and nausea.
Urinary Problems: incontinence, enuresis, dysuria, auria, bladder infections, urinary tract infections, and prostate problems.
Menstrual and Reproductive Problems: infertility, PMS, menstrual cramps, cysts of uterus and ovary, menopause syndrome, and hot flashes.
For a complete list of diseases treated at Agape Acupuncture,
Inc. click here.
To read the success stories and testimonials from our patients
click here.
FIND THE BEST PHYSICIAN ACUPUNCTURIST
You must choose your acupuncturist carefully. Achieving good results with acupuncture requires a skillful and knowledgeable person; one who has studied extensively and has been trained thoroughly. To competently practice acupuncture, three to five years of training is required. In the state of California, the laws regarding the use of acupuncture is rigid and firm and a genuine and qualified acupuncturist has to pass a state board test to acquire a license. The California State Board of Medical Quality Assurance certifies the acupuncturist after passing both the written and practical portions of the exam with an L.Ac. We hope that you have found answers to questions about acupuncture. To locate a qualified physician acupuncturist click here or contact Agape Acupuncture, Inc.
