Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine which is gaining more and more popularity in this country. During a treatment very thin, solid, hairlike needles are inserted at specific points on the body. The stimulation of these acupuncture points affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It triggers the release of the body’s internal chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins, which have pain-relieving properties.Acupuncture affects the blood concentrations of triglycerides,cholesterol,and phospholipids,suggesting acupuncture can both raise and diminish peripheral blood components,thereby regulating the body towards homeostasis.
Four aspects of a body that need to be functioning well in order to be healthy • Qi (Oxygen) delivery to the tissues• Vascular System • Organ System • Nervous SystemIf there is an obstruction in the blood flow to a particular area of the body, that area of the body will be negatively affected, resulting in disease or malfunction. Any area of the body that is damaged due to trauma or an internal disorder will have difficulty recovering if there is a reduction in blood flow to that area. The gifts to modern medicine by the ancient Chinese are several: The understanding that efficient blood flow and the proper functioning of the heart are essential for longevity. The quality of thought and emotion are determined by the quality and function of the organ system. Highly oxygenated, highly nutritious blood coursing through the body is the key to good health. The peripheral nervous system can be stimulated to increase blood flow throughout targeted areas in the body. Modern scientific research has shown acupuncture to have specific biological effects such as releasing endorphins, which are pain-blocking biochemicals, influencing the cellular matrix of connective tissue and activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
We do accept walk-in appointments, but our daily schedule is often booked, and so we highly recommend scheduling your appointment online or by calling us in advance.
Initial visits can take up to 120 minutes which includes diagnosis, health history, a Bio-Well Health and Wellness Assessment followed by an acupuncture treatment session.Follow-up visits are 45 minutes, 15 minutes with the doctor discussing updates and then a 30 minute acupuncture session which includes light therapy & PEMF.
This is the most frequently asked question we get. Acupuncture needles are quite thin thus making the insertion virtually painless. Following needle insertion, the practitioner will bring the needle to the proper depth. You may then experience a distinct sensation that can range from tingling to heaviness to warmth to nothing at all. Each person's body and experience is unique. If you feel any discomfort during your session, please notify the doctor, and they will adjust the needles accordingly. All needles are sterilized and disposable.
Acupuncture will not interact or interfere with any type of medications. However, as your treatment progresses, patients may find that they no longer require the same medication dosage. It is important that you work with your doctor to adjust your prescriptions accordingly.
During your first consultation, your practitioner will collect a complete health history and detailed evaluation of your condition. They will ask questions relating to many different aspects of your life, not only the condition for which you are seeking treatment. The practitioner will then take your pulse, examine your tongue, and sometimes palpate your abdomen or check for tender areas along the blood vessels. A Bio-Well Heath and Wellness Assessment will also be a guide in understanding the best course of treatment. The initial visit.Subsequent visits are 45 mins.
This depends upon the duration, severity, nature of the complaint and your goals. Some acute conditions may only require a few treatments and some degenerative conditions may require as many as 40 treatments. However, the patient has the right to expect that their major complaint will be addressed and treated in a caring, empathetic and individualized manner. Your Bio-Well Health and Wellness report also tracks the progress when done on a monthly basis as your body responds to treatments and or herbs.
We recommend bringing your medical records, medications and test results, as they can greatly help our practitioners in understanding your ailments with our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis.It is best to eat a light meal before your appointment so that your body has energy to work with. Sometimes a person who has not eaten will feel lightheaded or weak when receiving an acupuncture treatment. In this case, inform your practitioner immediately and they will take the appropriate actions. It is also best to wear loose clothing so that the arms and legs below the elbows and knees, as well as the abdomen, are accessible.We discourage you from engaging in strenuous activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, or ingest heavy meals before or after your treatment. This will allow the body to adjust to the effects of your acupuncture treatment.
We are a credentialed out of network provider with United Healthcare and Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Please call your insurance provider to see what is covered for out-of-network providers. We can provide superbills upon request for individual submission. We do offer options to pay on a sliding scale for those that are uninsured.
Yes. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Functional medicine is very effective and proven for stress management and any pain or discomfort relief if you are currently or planning to become pregnant. Because there are some points that are contraindicated during pregnancy, it is important to inform your practitioner if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Please consult with your doctor or OBGYN with specific questions if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is that there are very few, if any, side effects after a treatment. As stated by the World Health Organization, acupuncture is considered a very safe practice. Acupuncture rarely causes damage if performed by trained and licensed practitioners.
Please call us at 832-975-7045 or email at info@iriswellness.center. We’d love to answer all your questions.
