Client Info FAQ
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes, acupuncture is safe. Acupuncture has been researched and acknowledged by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for many symptoms.
Acupuncture has been researched and acknowledged by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for many ailments. It is safe and can be used in conjunction with many other forms of Western medicine, including physical therapy and prescription drugs or other complementary modalities such as massage & chiropractic care. If you have any questions or concerns about integrating CFEA with your current treatment regimen, please contact me for further discussion.
Payment is due at the time of service. We accept Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Visa Debit, Mastercard Debit and HSA/FSA cards. Charges sent to your insurance are your responsibility if the insurance company has failed to pay or respond after 60 days.
Please give 24 hours notice or more if you know you will not be able to make your scheduled appointment. The full amount will be charged for missed appointments, late cancellations or no shows. Exceptions may be made in the event of family emergencies, acute medical illnesses, poor road conditions, etc…
Your initial appointment is 60-75 minutes in length. It includes a full health assessment and life history as well as a structural/physical exam. During this time, your reasons for seeking acupuncture treatment are discussed in detail. Questions regarding lifestyle choices such as exercise, diet, sleep habits, etc. are asked in order to better understand the various factors that may be contributing to your overall health status.
It is best to come to your first and subsequent appointments fragrance free, not wearing any strong perfumes, lotions, oils, etc. It is also important to come to your first few treatments having eaten a protein-rich snack or meal within 30-60 minutes of treatment.
Subsequent treatments generally take about 45-60 minutes. We will sit and discuss how you are doing, how you felt after last treatment, how your symptoms are doing, and we will touch on any pertinent events going on. Then we will transition to the treatment table, where your practitioner will take your energetic pulses and develop a treatment plan. Treatment can consist of the use of moxa, an herb that is used to warm the area of the acupuncture point, followed by the use of a thin needle to influence the Qi. There are also a few protocols where the client rests for 10-15 minutes, while we monitor your treatment. It is also important to come to your first few treatments having eaten a protein-rich snack or meal within 30-60 minutes of treatment. Dress attire: Majority of clients change into a gown for treatment.
People tend to report feeling energized or more relaxed after a session.
- Drink plenty of water before and after treatment.
- Make sure you have eaten a regular meal within 3-4 hours prior to treatment or have had a recent snack.
- Please arrive on time or a bit early for your appointments.
- Allow at least 75 minutes for your initial assessment/appointment and 45-60 minutes for follow-up treatments.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before/after treatment.
- Avoid temperature extremes if possible-i.e. no hot tubs or hot baths.
- Avoid wearing products with strong odors or heavy scents or make-up.
- Please turn off your cell phone during treatments.
Frequency of treatment varies from person to person depending on many factors: nature of imbalance; history, severity, and the length of time they have been experiencing symptoms; current state of your health at the beginning of treatment; and, lifestyle choices.
In the beginning, it is important to come in for weekly treatments. Weekly treatments build and balance your energy and assist your body to begin to regain its ability to heal itself. Each treatment builds upon previous treatments. Some people begin to feel better after the first treatment, others may not notice changes for a few treatments. Chronic conditions may take longer to see lasting improvement. As you start to feel better, as symptoms subside, and your energy is maintained between treatments, sessions are spaced further apart to meet your particular needs. Once you feel as though you are balanced and health is restored, then monthly or seasonal maintenance treatments can begin. You may choose to come in more frequently during times of stress, or major lifestyle changes, new medical diagnoses, weaning off medications, or losses.
The CFEA treatment process is dynamic, interactive, and a partnership. We work together to set attainable health and wellness goals which support you in restoring balance. For optimal outcome, your personal commitment to improving your health and well-being, as well as working toward your lifestyle or health goals is a key factor in increasing the effectiveness of treatment. Treatment continues to work once your appointment is over.
The effects of your acupuncture treatment will often continue 24-48 hours after treatment. To get the most out of your treatment, it is important to:
- Drink plenty of water before and after treatment.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before/after treatment.
- Avoid temperature extremes if possible-i.e. no hot tubs or hot baths.
- Avoid intense exercise or overexertion after treatment.
Alpine Acupuncture is located at 1601 Salmon Creek Lane (inside the Juneau Family Health and Birth Center). Located off Hospital Drive and Salmon Creek Lane. Doors are open Monday through Thursday 9am-4:00pm. Important note: If your appointment time is after hours please text me when you arrive and I will come to the front and open the main door for you.
General Acupuncture Information
How long has acupuncture been practiced?
Acupuncture originated more than 2,000 years ago in China. It is the oldest and most commonly practiced medical procedure in the world.
What is Classical Five-Element Acupuncture?
Jill was fortunate to study at one of the only Worsley taught Classical Five-Element Acupuncture programs in the United States. J.R. Worsley brought this medicine to the West in the 1950’s. Today, many of his students continue to teach, practice, and share this elegant medicine. His daughter, Hilary Skellon, is one of the leading teachers of this medicine and the director of the Institute of Taoist Education and Acupuncture (www.itea.edu), the school and acupuncture clinic where Jill received her training. The Worsley Institute (https://worsleyinstitute.com/) is the professional organization and carrier of the Worsley knowledge, currently led by Judy Worsley. Both are great resources for learning more about Classical Five-Element Acupuncture and J.R. Worsley.
What are the needles like?
Acupuncture needles are very thin — most are no thicker than a human hair. These needles are not like the needles you might use to sew a button on a shirt. Today, the most commonly used needle is the metal filiform (thread-like) needle that is made from stainless steel. Very occasionally, silver or gold needles are used. Acupuncture needles come in different gauges (diameter) and lengths to be used on the different areas of the body where they are to be inserted.
Are the needles clean?
Acupuncture needles are new, sterile, and disposable. They are used on you, only you, and then discarded. These needles are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by licensed acupuncturists.
Do the needles hurt?
The sensation of the needle is unique to each person. There can be a sensation when the needle is inserted and it lasts for only a brief moment. The sensation can very from nothing to ‘strong’ depending on the person. Various sensations include a dull ache, an energetic zing, a “that was cool”, or a simple awareness that ‘something’ was felt/activated. The sensation usually lasts for only a brief moment.
How does acupuncture work?
The Chinese believe there are several pathways that run through the body. These pathways, called meridians, are like rivers of energy flowing through the body. There are 12 main meridians, and other lesser ones.
One way for an acupuncturist to tell how “balanced” a patient’s body is, is to evaluate the meridians. To do this, your practitioner will take your pulses — see below. As we read your pulses, we will notice imbalances with the meridians. Some pulses may be too “full” or too “low.” Your practitioner’s interpretation of your pulses determines the acupuncture that is performed.
Along the meridians are vortexes of energy, which the Chinese call Chi (pronounced like “chee”, also written as ch’i or qi). Conceptually, these vortexes are similar to eddies in a river, like little whirlpools. They are also the acupuncture points. Through acupuncture we are activating these acupuncture points.
What are pulses?
We measure your energy by reading your pulses, 12 in all, one for each of the main meridians, 6 on each wrist. We take your pulses much in the same way a nurse might, but the readings are not to see how many times your heart beats each minute. We determine which pulses are high and which are low, then we work to get them all balanced.