It is a safe, effective, and natual approach to help regain and maintain health and well being. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their locations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that acu­puncture is suitable for treating the following:

• Ear, nose, and throat disorders: toothaches, ear­aches, sinus infections, and nasal inflammation or dryness

• Respiratory disorders: asthma, allergies, bronchitis, frequent colds/flu, and chronic cough

• Gastrointestinal disorders: inflammation of the stomach, chronic duodenal ulcers, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea

• Eye disorders: inflammation of the conjunctiva, inflammation of the central retina, nearsightedness (in children), and uncomplicated cataracts

• Nervous system and muscular disorders: headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis or nerve pain, partial weakness after a stroke, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, and osteoarthritis

• Emotional & psychological disorders: anxiety, depression, and insomnia

• Reproductive disorders: menopausal symptoms, salpingo oophoritis, hysteromyoma, psychogenic impotence, infertility (men & women)

Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment. a) Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possi­bility of bacterial infection. b) To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry. c) Wear loose clothing. d) Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, or full.

A: a) Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment. b) Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner. c) Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treat­ment. This often occurs if you are nervous. Inform your practitioner immediately so he or she can read­just or withdraw the needles. Also, let your practitio­ner know if you feel an increasing amount of pain or a burning sensation during the treatment. d) If you find your treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to speak up so that your practitioner can make the proper adjustments or stop the treatment.

Tuina is a clinical practice based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). An expert physician of Tuina is well versed in the knowledge of Chinese medicines, and has mastered the professional theories and skills needed for clinical diagnosis and treatment. The term "Tuina" translates into "push-grasp" in Chinese. Physically, it is a series of pressing, tapping, and kneading that removes blockages along the meridians of the body and stimulates the flow of Qi and blood to promote healing, similar to principles of acupuncture. Tuina's massage-like techniques range from light stroking to deep-tissue work, which should not be considered equivalent to a recreational or relaxing massage. Since Tuina therapy does not involve puncturing the skin, it is especially suitable for use on the elderly population and on children.

During a typical Tuina session, the patient wears loose clothing and lies or sits on a massage table. After answering some brief questions about the nature and location of the problem, as well as questions of general health, the practitioner will concentrate on specific acupressure points, energy trigger points, muscles and joints surrounding the affected area. Occasionally, clothing is removed or repositioned to expose a particular spot that requires direct skin contact. The patient will be informed before this act. Treatment sessions last from 20 minutes to an hour. Patients often return for additional treatments for chronic conditions. As with most "energy-based" treatments, the patient may feel relaxed or energized by the treatment and release of pain.

Acupuncture has traditionally been used to help prevent future health problems and to enhance health, i.e. as a preventative medicine.  Recent studies have shown that acupuncture can stimulate the immune system which increases your resistance to bacterial/viral infections.  It also increases overall vitality and energy which has beneficial effects both physically and emotionally.  Having acupuncture treatments on a regular basis, many feel, is the best way to feel healthy and maintain optimal health.

Acupuncturists have extensive training and are licensed by Georgia medical boards.  Most acupuncture schools in the US include training in Western medicine to allow your acupuncturist to either practice as a primary health care provider or in conjunction with other health care providers.  An acupuncturist trained in China has normally undergone training at an accredited medical school and received a diploma equivalent to an M.D. degree in the US. It is, therefore, important to inform your acupuncturist of other treatments, health conditions and medications you are using.

Absolutely not.  Just like in any field, the number of hours of clinical training, as well as years of experience are all important components.  Typically a medical doctor, osteopath, naturopath, or chiropractor who uses acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy has 300 hours or less in training.  A typical Licensed Acupuncturist, whose primary training is in Acupuncture and/or Oriental Medicine, has 3 to 4 years (2500-3000 hours) of Master's Degree level training.  For more information please visit www.nccaom.org.

A Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (DOM) must demonstrate professional competency by passing the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certification examinations in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, and Biomedicine. It is the highest professional achievement to earn the DOM title certified by the NCCAOM. A person who only passes the acupuncture exam receives a credential of Dipl. A.C.; a person who only passes the Chinese Herbology exam receives a credential of Dipl. C.H.; a person who passes the acupuncture exam, Chinese Herbology exam and Biomedicine exam receives a credential of Dipl. O.M.

Few health insurance companies in Georgia currently cover acupuncture and herbal therapies. However, some companies offer varying levels of coverage. Medicaid & Medicare do not provide coverage. As more and more insurance companies begin to understand the therapeutic benefits & long term cost savings of acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine, insurance coverage will be expanded. It is always best to check with your health insurance company first in order to determine whether or not you have eligibility and coverage for our services.

If your insurance company will reimburse you for part or all of your treatment, Atlanta Acupuncture/Medical Acupuncture & Nutrition, Inc. will provide the necessary legal documentation (i.e. Superbill, CPT codes, treatment documentation, etc.) in order for you to obtain reimbursement from your health insurance company. We will always do our best to help you with this process.

Flex Plans & Healthcare Savings Accounts

Acupuncture is a covered medical expense under most Flex Plans, and it is a covered expense for Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSAs). Additionally, some plans may reimburse you for the cost of Chinese herbal medicine. Please check with your Flex Plan or HSA administrator to make sure that your particular plan covers acupuncture treatments and/or the cost of Chinese herbal medicine.

• Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
• Do not eat large meals just before or after
  your visit.
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
• Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.