Q&A Questions

ACA Acupuncture and Wellness provides patients with a wealth of knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We are happy to demonstrate and explain the philosophy and theory that make TCM effective to our patients.
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Frequently Asked Questions

We would like to hear from you and answer your questions related to TCM and our services. Please email your questions to ACA.
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What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on over 3,000 years of studying every aspect in the body: internal and external anatomy, the flow of Qi (energy), etc. TCM modalities include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, moxibustion, cupping, and Qigong. The foundation for TCM is that Qi (pronounced “Chee”), or the life energy, flows through the body. This energy flows in channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. When there’s blockage or imbalance of qi, there’s pain or illness. TCM practitioners utilize their modalities to remove blockage or imbalance to treat illnesses.
Does acupuncture work?
The World Health Organization recognizes almost one hundred diseases, symptoms, or conditions for which acupuncture is effective. Much of the research on acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is being conducted by universities, research institutions, and the National Institutes of Health. There is increasing scientific evidence proving the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of medical ailments, including chemotherapy-induced nausea, autoimmune disorders, chronic back pain, hypertension, and allergic rhinitis.
How many acupuncture treatments do I need?
The number of acupuncture treatments you need depends on the complexity of your illness, your general health, and whether it is a chronic or recent condition.
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions. It is particularly effective for pain relief and for post surgery and chemotherapy associated nausea and vomiting. In addition, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize that acupuncture can be helpful as part of a treatment plan for many illnesses which includes but not limited to: addiction (such as alcoholism), asthma, bronchitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, digestive issues, facial tics, fibromyalgia, headaches, irregular periods, low back pain, menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, sinusitis, IBS, stroke rehabilitation, tendonitis, tennis elbow, and urinary problems such as incontinence.
Can I get acupuncture when I am treated with conventional medicine?
You can safely combine acupuncture with other conventional treatments. However, it is important for your primary care physician to be aware of, and to monitor, how your acupuncture treatment may be affecting your conventional therapies. Often your medication may need to be adjusted while your condition improves during your acupuncture treatments.

What conditions are treated by Chinese herbal medicine?
Like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine treats a full range of human diseases such as acute illness like the flu and the common cold to chronic illnesses. Herbal medicine can also help to maintain or create balance and health before disease sets in.
Does my medical insurance cover Chinese medical treatments?
Acupuncture is currently covered by many major insurance companies in the United States. However, acupuncture coverage varies greatly depending on the company and individual plan. It is important to check with your insurance company to see what coverage your plan offers. We accept Empire BCBS, Oxford, United Health Care, Cigna, Aetna, and others. Please call us to find out if your acupuncture treatments can be covered by your insurance.

Patient Resources

TCM theorizes that the more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body connect with 12 main and 8 secondary pathways, called meridians. Chinese medicine practitioners believe these meridians conduct energy, or Qi, between the surface of the body and internal organs.

Conditions Appropriate for Acupuncture Therapy

Digestive
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Hyperacidity
Indigestion
Emotional
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Nervousness
Neurosis
Eye/Ear/Nose/Throat
Cataracts
Gingivitis
Poor vision
Tinnitus
Toothache
Gynecological
Infertility
Menopausal symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome
Miscellaneous
Addiction control
Athletic performance
Blood pressure regulation
Chronic fatigue
Immune system tonification
Stress reduction
Musculoskeletal
Arthritis
Back pain
Muscle cramping
Muscle pain/weakness
Neck pain
Sciatica
Neurological
Headaches
Migraines
Neurogenic
Bladder dysfunction
Parkinson’s disease
Postoperative pain
Stroke

Payments and Insurance

More and more major insurance carriers recognize that acupuncture is a powerful medical treatment to help their members to heal from pain and various illnesses. It’s non-invasive, has no side effects, and is very cost efficient. Please check with your employer and insurance company to request that your policy includes acupuncture coverage.

ACA Acupuncture and Wellness centers accept major insurance including Empire BCBS, Oxford, United Health Care, Cigna, Aetna, and others. Please call us to find out if your acupuncture treatments can be covered by your insurance.

All ACA Acupuncture and Wellness centers accept payments in major credit cards.

Please ask us about discounted package rates.

Franchise Testimonials

Pain
""Within 45 minutes, the pain was gone and I could move my neck and shoulder again. The acupuncture treatment was so effective...It was like magic! ""
Lorraine Yamm
Stress
""Acupuncture has enormously improved my quality of life and my ability to deal with stress. My blood pressure is much lower, I feel wonderful and my outlook on life is measurably improved.""
Robert E
Fullilove, Ed.D.
Stress
""Within 45 minutes, the pain was gone and I could move my neck and shoulder again. The acupuncture treatment was so effective...It was like magic! ""
Lorraine Yamm
CEO, CareBridge