Is it safe? Doesn't it hurt? The extensive training required for licensing and modern sterile techniques mean that risks are minuscule. Side effects are rare and/or minor, and discomfort, if any, is slight and transient. The disposable needles, used once and discarded, are almost hair-thin (36-44 gauge), small enough to fit inside the needle of a typical syringe.
As for private insurance, it depends on the company and policy. Many insurance companies (Tufts, HNE, BC/BS, Harvard Pilgrim, Cigna) now have "discount networks", in which participating practitioners offer reduced rates. Please note that due to low rates of reimbursement and the high volume of associated paperwork, I can no longer accept private insurance, or Workers' Compensation Insurance.
As for private insurance, it depends on the company and policy. Many insurance companies (Tufts, HNE, BC/BS, Harvard Pilgrim, Cigna) now have "discount networks", in which participating practitioners offer reduced rates. Please note that due to low rates of reimbursement and the high volume of associated paperwork, I can no longer accept private insurance, or Workers' Compensation Insurance.
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I graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture in 1985, completed an additional three-year program in Chinese Herbal Medicine in 1993 and have a B.S. in chemistry.
In addition to having treated patients and researched acupuncture at Baystate Hospital's Pain Management Center for over 20 years, I have a private practice in Amherst, and have been associated with several area clinics providing care for victims of accidents, HIV and substance abuse.I believe that acupuncture should be a common practice, an accessible form of medical treatment for everyone.
In addition to having treated patients and researched acupuncture at Baystate Hospital's Pain Management Center for over 20 years, I have a private practice in Amherst, and have been associated with several area clinics providing care for victims of accidents, HIV and substance abuse.I believe that acupuncture should be a common practice, an accessible form of medical treatment for everyone.
Musculo-skeletal disorders: muscle pain or stiffness, arthritis, neck and backache, disc & fusion problems, active trigger points, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, whiplash, plantar fasciitis, etc. And More: Even for conditions where "Western" biomedical care is the preferred approach (e.g.: controlling acute infections, cancer treatment, orthopedic repairs, etc.), acupuncture is often useful as an adjunct treatment.
Top performance relies on conditioning the mind, muscles and metabolism, and sometimes on rehabilitation. Acupuncture compliments physical therapy, stretching and massage in its ability to prime the body for action, and speed recovery. Acupuncture can balance muscle groups, enhance muscle activation and prevent injury.
Due to the low rates of reimbursement, restrictions in what is covered, and the large amount of associated paperwork, I no longer accept insurance payments. I deeply regret this, but the economic and time constraints and scope of practice limitations imposed by insurers are prohibitive for what I consider to be effective and thorough evaluation and treatment.
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