Frequently Asked Questions

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Please see the Services and Fees page for complete information.

First, you need to confirm that your insurance even covers acupuncture. Many do not. That being said, I don’t participate in any insurance plans or file claims. Please see the Payment Options page for complete information.

Chinese medical treatment works on entirely different premises than Western conventional medicine. In Chinese medicine, we are correcting the root cause where possible. Because of this strategy and the nature of working at the level of Qi disturbances, the modalities of Chinese medicine are very effective for a large variety of health issues, especially:

• Pain relief
  
• Headaches (including migraines)
  
• Injury healing
  
• Colds, flu and other viral illness
• Allergies
  
• Depression and anxiety
  
• Anger management
  
• Fertility
  
• Menstrual issues
  
• PMS
  
• Menopausal symptoms
  
• Skin disorders
  
• Sleep problems
  
• Digestive and bowel dysfunction
  
• Chronic fatigue
  
• Autoimmune disorders
  
• Peripheral neuropathy
  
• Addictions

With regular treatment, patients typically report that, not only do their conditions improve, but they just feel better overall. In particular, in addition to symptomatic relief, improvements can be expected in energy level, sleep patterns, body temperature regulation, mental attitude, and the ability to handle stress.

If you’ve decided you want to start treatment with me, or if you have more questions first, please reach out to me at kay@sandpointfamilyacupuncture.com or call me at (208) 920-3307. I’ll be happy to answer any questions and book your first appointment.  I don’t offer online booking at this time.

See the Services and Fees page for a description of how treatment is started and what to expect at your appointments.

Great question! Your recommended treatment frequency is an individual matter and will be discussed at your first appointment. Frequency of treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the nature and severity of the complaint and how long it has been an issue.

In cases of long standing or chronic complaints, acupuncture treatments will usually start once weekly for about 6 to 10 treatments. After this initial period, treatment strategies will be reassessed, depending on progress and your needs. Treatment for acute issues will typically be more frequent until the issue resolves to the point of satisfaction. Your desires, given practical and financial considerations, are always honored when determining treatment frequency.

Every individual responds differently to treatment, and treatment efficacy varies according to the nature of the condition. Like any other medical treatment, there are no guarantees on particular outcomes. Some patients may experience dramatic results very early in treatment, while others take a more prolonged and sustained effort. 

Most patients notice a significant level of improvement within the first 6 to 10 treatments or within a few weeks of taking herbs. It may take longer to achieve lasting relief for long standing chronic conditions. Typically, the longer a symptom, ailment or other concern has been present, the longer it will take to notice substantial and lasting changes. Likewise, short-term acute problems tend to respond more quickly and can resolve completely without any further need for treatment.

Overall, treatment is designed to promote the healthy quantity, quality and movement of Qi. As the Qi is properly balanced, you will become more aware of all your health patterns related to your main issues. In addition to relief from your primary symptoms, you will likely notice improvements to your overall state of health and well being. For example, you may notice changes in sleeping patterns, stress relief, better mood, lessened allergy symptoms, and improved body temperature. These are all positive signs of good health and typically become your early markers for future imbalances after treatment frequency tapers.

Well, we hate to see it happen, but, like any other medical paradigm, treatment can't always reach everybody adequately. Fortunately, in my clinical experience, it is the exception rather than the rule. That being said, there are circumstances where a patient doesn't respond to treatment or the response is too insignificant or slow. In that event, it is time to discuss terminating treatment. There will be no hard feelings and I will do my best to point you in a different medical direction that might be better suited to your condition and concerns.