What is an acupuncture treatment like?
Prior to your initial visit, we will email a three page Intake Form for you to complete and bring with you (or you can download it below). During the first part of the visit, you and Matt will discuss your health issues. He will feel your pulses on each wrist and look at your tongue (both are key to TCM diagnosis).

What does acupuncture feel like?
One of the first questions most people ask us about acupuncture is “does it hurt?”. Many people are surprised to discover how pleasurable of an experience an acupuncture treatment actually is.  The needles are hair-thin (in fact five of them will fit in the hole of a hypodermic needle) and are inserted just under the skin.  The sensation of the needles can vary.  Usually people report feeling a slight ache, tingling, buzzing, electricity, or the sensation of something moving.  Treatments are generally very relaxing - in fact many people fall asleep on the treatment table.

What will I feel like after a treatment?
Each client has a unique response. During and after the treatment, most clients experience significant relief from their symptoms (depending on disorder). This relief may persist or the symptoms may return, generally at a less intense level.

In a few cases, symptoms may seem worse after treatment. This is called the rebound effect. Within 12-36 hours, symptoms usually diminish significantly.

How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?

1. •Please arrive 10 minutes early to your first appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork.
   

2. •Wear lose, comfortable clothing.
   

3. •Please do not come in on either a full or empty stomach.
   

4. •Come prepared to talk about your health concerns.
   

You may feel a little light-headed after your treatment. If so, please have a seat in the reception room and drink some water. In a few minutes, you will feel relaxed and clear-headed.

Occasionally you may get a small hematoma (a little bruise under the skin) after an acupuncture needle is removed. This is not a cause for concern - it will go away after a few days. Gentle pressure will stop any small amount of bleeding that is occurring under the skin.

We recommend that you refrain from physical exertion immediately after your treatment. In particular, do not overuse the area that is being treated. This can cause tenderness and sensitivity to the area, and irritate your condition.

How many treatments will I need?
Your response to acupuncture treatment depends on a variety of factors:

1. •The nature of your condition
   

2. •The length of time you have had this condition (in other words, is it something you have had for a short time or is this a long-term, chronic condition?)
   

3. •The general state of your health
   

4. •Your willingness to participate in the healing process
   

For most chronic conditions, we prescribe 6-8 treatments, initially. At the end of this course, we will evaluate your progress and advise you on the next steps.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?
This depends on your insurance provider and your plan.  Many policies do cover acupuncture at a certain percentage of the cost of treatment, or a certain number of treatments per year.  Please contact your insurance provider to find out what your policy covers (and feel free to encourage them to offer more coverage for acupuncture and herbal medicine!).

Sea Change does not bill insurance companies directly, but at your request can provide you with a superbill which you can then submit for reimbursement.