Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to the most common questions asked about Sharon Kraus Acupuncture, from the nature of visits, to billing and our cancellation policies. If you are unable to find a specific answer to your question, you may send your questions directly using our contact form.

What is Traditional Asian Medicine?

Traditional Asian medicine is based in ancient healing methodologies that understand the intrinsic interconnectedness of the human body with larger forces of nature and the universe. Connection with these larger forces allows for the body’s innate ability to overcome illness and disease. Modern practitioners of Traditional Asian medicine utilize a holistic approach to treating a variety of conditions. Methodologies such as acupuncture, moxibustion, diet, herbal therapy, movement and massage can all be employed, resulting in a refined system of medicine that is both strengthening to the body and clinically effective.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the cornerstone of Asian medicine, remaining one of the oldest and closely studied non-Western forms of medicine in the world. Acupuncturists use small, thin, disposable needles, inserted gently into the body, to encourage the body’s natural homeostasis–the condition of optimal functioning for the body’s living systems. In this way, by influencing the body’s qi (chi), the living force that flows through the body, the mechanisms and functions that sustain health can be regulated.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncturists use needles that are thin, sterile and disposable allowing for a method of treatment that is simple, safe and effective.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture will feel different to different people and with different styles of treatment, however it usually doesn’t cause pain or discomfort. And it doesn’t need to hurt to work! There may often be an initial feeling of stimulation and sometimes heaviness radiating from the acupoint upon insertion, followed by great calm and relaxation. The net effect is likely that you will want to take a nap, and many people do!

What if I am afraid of needles?

Unlike hypodermic needles – those large, sharp, hollow needles from dreaded childhood injections– Acupuncture needles are very fine, sterile filaments barely wider than a hair. Plus, they have a blunt tip meant to slide in and gently move tissue aside when placed. In fact, these tiny, non-invasive filaments are conductive antennae that help the body re-establish communication with itself after a breakdown from metabolic stress or trauma. If the prospect of acupuncture needles is still too daunting, that is okay! There are alternatives for stimulating the acupoints and encouraging the flow of qi in the meridians; massage, heat and therapeutic movement, for a start. A routine consult will help us establish your need and a plan of care that works for you.

What are some common ailments treated by acupuncture?

According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture can effectively treat many conditions, from physical ailments caused by disease, or results of injuries, surgical operations, drugs and medical procedures to psychological conditions.

A comprehensive list is available for reference here.

What empirical data supports the efficacy of acupuncture?

Data on the effectiveness of acupuncture has accrued for nearly 20 years, derived from 13,000 studies conducted in 60 countries.¹ Clinical areas where data has been collected include: pain management, cancer, stroke, pregnancy, psychological disorders and inflammation. According to The Acupuncture Evidence Project, started in 2017, “Our study found evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture for 117 conditions, with stronger evidence for acupuncture’s effectiveness for some conditions than others.”² More information, including meta-analyses of acupuncture studies is available at Evidence Based Acupuncture, a project dedicated to establishing the effectiveness of Acupuncture using Western Science.

What can I expect during my Initial Visit?

Please allow 90 minutes for an initial acupuncture visit. In our session there will be time for you to fill out paperwork and for us to consult about your questions, concerns and goals for care. We will only progress as you feel comfortable. Examination and diagnosis leading into treatment requires observing, (especially the tongue, complexion and general aspect), interviewing, listening on many levels, and palpation/touch (particularly assessing the pulse, abdomen, tone and quality of various acupuncture channels and points, as well as subtle movement of the tissues). We will discuss a proposed plan of care. Generally acupuncture and other adjunct therapies are included in the initial visit.

Do you do house visits?

House calls are rarely available except by special arrangement. For more information, or to dicuss your need, please call the office or send an inquiry via the contact form.

How can I book an Appointment?

Call or text the office and someone will reply as soon as possible to schedule your visit. Alternatively, online booking is available for your convenience. If you do not see the appointment time you need on the online schedule, please contact the office for other possibilities.

What is your cancellation policy?

There is no fee for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance of your appointment time. Appointments not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance may be subject to a $35 fee. No-shows, or cancellations at the time of the appointment, may be billed the full cost of the missed visit.

When will I be charged?

When you book your appointment online you will be asked to provide a credit or debit card to hold the appointment. Your card will neither be charged, nor will a deposit be required, prior to service. You will be billed only after services have been rendered.

If you chose to pay by cash or check, you may pay at the end your visit.

What payment options are available?

Cash, check, credit card. This office also accepts most forms of insurance. Please check with your specific plan to determine coverage for acupuncture and telemedicine services.

What if I want to come in but have financial difficulties?

It is our policy that no one be turned away for lack of funds. If you are having financial hardship or are on a limited income, please bring it to our attention so we can discuss your situation and devise a plan that fits your specific need.

What precautions are you taking for COVID-19?

We are practicing heightened hygiene measures within our office. As such, we ask that you refrain from entering our office if: you have cold-like symptoms, you have been exposed to anyone who is (or may be) sick with COVID-19 and/or is exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms within 2-3 weeks prior to your appointment.

Telemedicine consults are also available for your convenience and safety if you feel yourself to be high risk! Furthermore, if you cannot come into the office due to having cold symptoms or exposure to someone else who may have COVID-19, herbal therapies prescribed via telemedicine may be very helpful and arrangements made for herbal delivery.

Have more questions or suggestions? Please call the office or get in touch via the contact page!

Notes & References

1. Ma Y, Dong M, Zhou K, et al. Publication Trends in Acupuncture Research: A 20-Year Bibliometric Analysis Based on PubMed. PLoS ONE 2016;11:e0168123. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0168123

2. Koppelman, Mel Hopper. “Acupuncture: An Overview of Scientific Evidence .” Evidence Based Acupuncture, www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/.