Acupuncture FAQ's

Ever had sushi? If so, you may be familiar with the temporary ‘whoosh’ of heat that comes from wasabi. In acupuncture, we want to feel that ‘whoosh’, as that tells us the acupuncture needles are connecting on a neuropathic level to the Chinese meridians. Rather than painful, think wasabi (or horseradish).

If you’ve never eaten horseradish or wasabi, the short answer is no; acupuncture treatment does not, and should not, hurt. Most people will feel a quick electrical impulse followed by a deeply relaxed sensation. It’s not unusual to drift into an R.E.M-like state or even fall asleep during your acupuncture treatment!

When performed by a licensed acupuncturist with board certification, acupuncture is a low-risk therapy. Occasionally, bruising can occur. We have an anti-bruising topical here at the clinic, which we can apply to immediately reduce bruising and maybe even stop it entirely.

Undergoing acupuncture treatment with an unlicensed individual is a whole different ball game. Midwest Acupuncture clinic is run by Dana Hoffman, a fully licensed acupuncturist in the state of Illinois, who has been trained to rigorous safety standards and uses conservative needling depth.

Getting acupuncture is a bit like going to the gym. Everybody should feel a change following a single session, but for real results you need to stick with it for a period of time. For treatment of acute conditions and in healthier people, there is likely to be a fast response. If you are unwell or have a chronic condition, the results are likely to build exponentially over the course of a few treatments.

Most people will come weekly for the first three to four sessions, after which point treatments can usually be spaced out to every other or every third week. For chronic conditions, better results are obtained when treatment is regular and often in the first few months. For acute conditions, you may find a few sessions are all you need to set you back on track, followed by the occasional maintenance session to keep you feeling your best throughout the year.

Getting acupuncture is a bit like going to the gym. Everybody should feel a change following a single session, but for real results you need to stick with it for a period of time. For treatment of acute conditions and in healthier people, there is likely to be a fast response. If you are unwell or have a chronic condition, the results are likely to build exponentially over the course of a few treatments.

Most people will come weekly for the first three to four sessions, after which point treatments can usually be spaced out to every other or every third week. For chronic conditions, better results are obtained when treatment is regular and often in the first few months. For acute conditions, you may find a few sessions are all you need to set you back on track, followed by the occasional maintenance session to keep you feeling your best throughout the year.

What you wear to your acupuncture session is not really too important, as most acupuncture points are accessed from below the knee or below the elbow. Your treatment will take place on a heated table pad so you will be warm and comfortable throughout. We have towels are available if you do need to change out of your clothes and drape instead (such as for cupping sessions), or if you would prefer to do so.

Acupuncture is suitable and adaptable for all. Here at Midwest Acupuncture Group we treat a whole variety of people with a whole set of unique circumstances, from their teens to their nineties and beyond!

Not at all, most of our patients contact us directly to make an acupuncture appointment.

Possibly, yes. Many insurance companies now cover acupuncture – the easiest way to find out is to give your insurance company a call directly.

The cost of your acupuncture treatment will be covered if you have Flex spending account or HSA account; if you don’t, around 20% of plans in Illinois will reimburse for some of the cost of acupuncture. Failing that, you can always claim acupuncture under ‘medical expenses’ for the purposes of your tax bill. However, there are some advantages to not undertaking acupuncture through insurance, such as confidentiality.

We are not networked with any medical groups or hospital databases, which ensures your data and clinical information is completely private. You may also find that your insurance restricts your choice of acupuncture practitioners, or will not cover acupuncture provided by a licensed acupuncturist, who has been trained to make a differential diagnosis and treatment plan (using pulse and tongue diagnosis). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss your options – you may find the cost of your treatment to be less than you expected.

Acupuncture is a gentle treatment that can be used for almost anyone. Healthy people can get a lot from acupuncture too – it is said to improve mood, concentration and sleep. Acupuncture is also a great preventative therapy as it really boosts the immune system and aids digestion.

Both acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine encompass elements of nature. Their treatment strategies are both based on making a differential diagnosis, using the tongue and pulse method, to locate where the disharmony exists. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine have a synergistic effect – the treatment is designed with one or both in mind.