About SHAC Acupuncture Services
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very fine needles into specific points (acupoints) that stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal.
It employs a holistic diagnostic system that is celebrated for preventing and addressing the root causes of pain and disease. As Eastern and Western medical disciplines integrate, acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a primary intervention for the treatment of pain.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: What is acupuncture helpful for?
A: Treatments at PSU can help you with any kind of pain - muscle soreness, joint pain, back pain, injury recovery, chronic pain, abdominal pain, and headaches - to name a few! If it hurts, we can help. Acupuncture is also an excellent modality for managing stress - by promoting balance in your nervous system, regular treatments can gently support the demands of student life.
Q: What can I expect to feel during and after treatments?
A: During your first treatment your acupuncturist will help you feel comfortable and get used to the feeling of acupuncture needles. Many students are surprised they don’t even feel them at all! While everyone is different, some common needle sensations are heaviness, energy moving through an area or limb, slight achiness, slight pinching or pricking, tingling, itching, or muscles relaxing. Once the needles are placed, patients rest - this is usually the best part, you might even fall asleep! After treatment, you may notice feeling a continued sense of ease, relaxed muscles, a little fatigued, or energized.
Q: What are some of the benefits of acupuncture?
A: Fully resolved or less pain overall, general peace of mind, improved sleep, better concentration, more energy, and then some… ! Acupuncture is a way to engage your body’s natural ability to heal, and the resounding outcome is greater wellbeing and optimal physical vitality.
Q: What are the risks? Is there a possibility of infection?
A: The risks of acupuncture are very minimal. The needles are sterile and single-use, and are disposed of immediately in an industry standard sharps container. Throughout the world, cases of infection after acupuncture often result from unsafe practice. Other injuries with acupuncture needles are often caused by providers who have inadequate training; your acupuncturist has well over a thousand hours of supervised clinical practice and passes several board exams administered by the NCCAOM to demonstrate competency.
Q: How many visits do I need?
A: After your acupuncturist learns about your concerns and evaluates your response to treatment, a sustainable treatment plan will be suggested. In general, acute pain responds well to a few frequent treatments, while chronic pain may respond to regular, spaced out visits. Some people enjoy receiving acupuncture once a month to ease stress, while others may need more care, more regularly.
Q: How long are treatments?
A: Your first visit is a little longer - expect to be in the office for 60 minutes. Follow up visits can last anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: If you are on the PSU student health plan, your visits are 100% covered. Out of pocket visits are $150.