​Frequently Asked Questions            


​Is acupuncture safe? 
Acupuncture is an extremely safe therapy. There are very few complications that can occur as a result of acupuncture treatment. Occasionally your symptoms may increase for a few hours or couple of days. This is a good indication that the treatments are beginning to work. Occasionally, a small number of patients do have mild and self-correcting reactions to the procedure, such as minor bruising at the needlepoint, dizziness or light-headedness. There are many positive side effects of acupuncture, such as a sense of relaxation and well-being after treatments. Other positive side effects are calmness, improved sleep, and mental alertness.

Is acupuncture painful? 
Typically patients do not consider acupuncture a painful procedure.  However, sensations during initial needle insertion are common and may include feelings of pressure, very mild dull achiness, warming, cooling, or heaviness.
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Are acupuncture needles safe?
I use only pre-sterilized, surgical steel needles. They are used once and then disposed in a bio-hazard container and properly discarded by a medical waste disposal company according to federal laws and regulations.
 
What is cosmetic acupuncture?
Look younger and feel healthier with the Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture! It is a safe alternative to cosmetic surgery, Botox injections, silicone fillers, and other invasive cosmetic procedures. It is effective, cost-efficient and is beneficial to overall health. Tamara holds certification in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture.
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Is acupuncture beneficial for healthy people? 
Traditionally acupuncture has been used as a preventive medicine. It has tremendous ability to enhance immunity, overall vitality, and energy. Therefore many people find that preventive acupuncture treatments are the best way to maintain physical and emotional health, create a deep sense of relaxation, and the feeling of well-being. 

Can acupuncture help women get pregnant?
A group of researchers from the University of Amsterdam and the University of Maryland analyzed 7 acupuncture trials involving 1,366 women and published a report of their findings in the British Medical Journal. According to their analysis, those women who received acupuncture during the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) process, increased their chances of conceiving by 65%. ( Manheimer E, Zhang G, Udoff L, et al. Effect of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal. Published online February 2008. )
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Additional Information...

Is acupuncture good for elderly people?
Acupuncture is extremely beneficial for elderly people as it brings outstanding support to physical and emotional health, increases overall vitality, maintains immune function, and keeps pain and other symptoms in check. This allows the seniors to live healthier, more productive and exiting lives.

What conditions can acupuncture help?
Click here to see the answer to this question. If you have questions on a specific health condition, please call 704-651-9585 or email Tamara@CharlotteAcupunctureTherapy.com

How many treatments will I need?
Acupuncture therapy is a process, much like physical therapy. Health problems usually do not appear overnight, and therefore, rarely can be treated with just one visit. It usually takes a series of treatments to help most health issues. The most beneficial treatment schedule is to start at an interval of 1-3 treatments per week and decrease the number of treatment as your condition improves. Each treatment builds upon the previous one. The number of treatments you will need depends on the severity and length of your condition, compliance with lifestyle and dietary recommendations, and your overall state of health. 

What is the difference between a licensed acupuncturist and a physician, chiropractor or a physical therapist who perform acupuncture?
There is a huge difference! To become a licensed acupuncturist in the US, the candidate has to complete  thousands of hours of training through the accredited graduate level program and pass three nationally recognized board exams, while MDs, Chiropractors, and Physical Therapists only receive 72 to 300 hours of just basic training in eastern medicine, have bare minimum to no acupuncture clinical experience before certification, do not require to pass acupuncture board exams, and do not hold a licensure in acupuncture. Here are a few links leading to more information on the subject:
What are the licensing and certification reuqirements for acupuncturists?
In order to become licensed, North Carolina requires acupuncturists to pass three certification exams offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). NCCAOM Diplomat status is the gold standard for acupuncturists.

In order to sit for the NCCAOM exams, one must have graduated from an accredited acupuncture college, and be certified in Clean Needle Technique by the CCAOM (Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). I hold all of these requirements.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Please consult your insurance company to determine the terms of coverage of your policy. We do not file with your insurance for reimbursement. If your policy includes acupuncture benefits, we will provide you with a receipt which you can file with your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts almost always cover acupuncture; however please check your policy to be certain.