| When considering acupuncture for fertility, several | | | | No. For your safety, only sterile and disposable |
| question come up. I have answers to some of those | | | | needles should be used. |
| questions that will ease your mind and calm your | | | | Does medical insurance cover acupuncture |
| nerves about those little needles. You would not be | | | | treatment? |
| incorrect to think that many Western medical | | | | An increasing number of insurance companies are |
| professionals treat acupuncture for fertility with a | | | | now covering acupuncture and Traditional Chinese |
| degree of skepticism and using acupuncture tends to | | | | Medicine. Check with your insurance provider though |
| be the last resort often times for couples that have | | | | prior to your treatment to find out if your policy |
| tried every other traditional method. | | | | covers acupuncture, and get the details of your |
| However, let me answer some of the most common | | | | coverage. |
| questions for you right now. | | | | How many treatments do I need? |
| How does acupuncture work? | | | | Many conditions can be alleviated very rapidly with |
| Acupuncture works to effectively increase blood | | | | acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Chronic illnesses |
| flow to targeted areas which can improve health | | | | usually take longer to treat, but acute problems |
| since blood carries critical components to every cell | | | | generally respond much faster. The patient's diet and |
| of the body. | | | | lifestyle will ultimately affect the outcome and course |
| Scientifically speaking, acupuncture works by | | | | of treatment. |
| stimulating your central nervous system to release | | | | How can I prepare for my first acupuncture |
| chemicals into your muscles, spinal cord, and brain. | | | | treatment? |
| These chemicals either change the experience of pain | | | | It is best to eat a light meal or snack before your |
| or cause the release of other chemicals, such as | | | | treatment. A person who has not eaten may feel |
| hormones, that influence the body's self-regulating | | | | lightheaded during or after an acupuncture treatment. |
| systems. | | | | Wear loose clothing so that your arms and legs |
| Acupuncture is used to treat illness, prevent disease, | | | | below your elbows and knees and your abdomen are |
| and improve well-being. Today, the art and science of | | | | accessible. Do not participate in strenuous activity, |
| acupuncture may not be fully understood from a | | | | drink alcohol, or eat large meals before or after your |
| Western perspective, yet it continues to gain | | | | treatment. |
| popularity and acceptance simply because it works. | | | | How can I improve treatment results? |
| Is acupuncture painful? | | | | Here are a few points to keep in mind: |
| Acupuncture needles are very fine and are typically | | | | |
| 25-50 times thinner than the hypodermic needles that | | | | 1. Show up for your appointments and be on time in |
| physicians use. Fortunately, acupuncture needles are | | | | order to get your full treatment. |
| solid and therefore only push tissue aside during | | | | 2. Do not submerge yourself in water (e.g. shower, |
| insertion instead of cutting tissue like the hypodermic | | | | bath, hot tub, etc.) for at least 12 hours after |
| needles. Because of this, acupuncture needle insertion | | | | acupuncture. |
| is, for the most part, painless. Usually, people are not | | | | 3. If healing reactions occur while under acupuncture |
| even aware that the needles are in place. | | | | care or while taking Chinese herbal medicine, it is |
| Acupuncture tends to be very relaxing and many | | | | recommended that you call and inform your doctor |
| people even fall asleep during treatments. | | | | of your specific body reactions. |
| Are the needles reused? | | | | |