Hope Acupuncture
&Integrative Medicine
Frequent Asked Question
What can I expect at first visit?
Treat the root cause, not just symptom.
All your pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, emotion, sleep quality indicate fundamental physical, physiological imbalance. At your first visit, a full health history will be taken. Diagnosis will begin with questions regarding your health and lifestyle and any other information that is pertinent. Dr. Arken will then check your pulses and look at your tongue and also conduct a physical exam. All this information is used to form a diagnosis based on the theories and philosophies of Chinese medicine. While you are being treated, you generally either feel a sense of deep relaxation or be immensely energized. When the needle is inserted, you may feel numbness or tingling. Some say that they feel energy (also known as Qi氣) spread from the point of insertion. All of these are signs that the treatment is working.
Can I address more than one health issue at a time with acupuncture?
Absolutely. Acupuncture acts like a re-set button for the entire body. Often, patients who come in for one issue will notice an improvement in something that seems unrelated. That’s because Chinese medicine is a holistic system and everything is connected . Acupuncture also seems to have the "side effects" of reducing stress and promoting better sleep and more energy.
How should I prepare before visit?
Treatments take place in a peaceful, relaxing healing space. You will be treated in a fully sanitized comfortable treatment table or reclining chair.
Wear loose and comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points. It’s not necessary to undress, just roll up your pants to the knee and sleeves to the elbow.
Keep your routine diet. Do not come after and especially large meal, nor should you come in hungry.
Do not overexert yourself after the treatment or use stimulant or alcohol up to 8 hours after the treatment.
Try to keep relaxed after your treatment. Do not stress yourself. Plenty of rest and a warm bath or shower is helpful.
Make note of any changes that occur in your body between visits. Alleviation of pain or movement of pain to another area should be noted. Any information will assist Dr. Arken.
Why look at my tongue, and feel my pulse?
The tongue tells many things about your body. The color, shape and coating can reflect your general health as well as the health of your organs and meridians.
There are 12 main spots on your wrist and ankle. Each spot corresponds to an organ function an meridian system. There are 8 different pulse qualities that Dr. Arken will be looking for. These 8 qualities will reflect your balance of your body, organ's Qi and any imbalances will appear in your pulse.
Can I combine Acupuncture with Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, or other healing modalities?
One of the great things about acupuncture is that you can combine acupuncture with other therapies. Very few things make it less effective, and it doesn't interfere with anything else. It's one of the reasons that so many doctors refer their patients to acupuncture.
Do you use sterile needles?
Yes we do. All needles are sealed packed one time use. It is a requirement in the Acupuncture Board to use sterile needles and each one is disposed of in a bio-hazard container as soon as it is removed.
How many sessions do I need?
Treatment result depend on individual case, people feel great relief from one treatment while others find a more gradual improvement with acupuncture. The number and frequency of treatments will be discussed with you at your initial visit. In general, acute conditions tend to be quicker to respond while chronic conditions can take longer.
FAQ Herbs
How do herbs work?
Many of the individual herbs listed in the Materia Medica, the traditional Chinese compendium of herbs, have undergone scientific analysis. However, it is the combination of multiple herbs into a formula that creates the most powerful therapeutic effects. Ancient texts classify each herb by its properties, including the channels it influences, the organs it affects, as well as its taste, temperature, toxicity, and its relevance to specific diseases or symptoms. A trained practitioner will assess your imbalance and prescribe the appropriate blend of herbs tailored to your condition.
Why can't I just buy them at the pharmacy?
Although many Chinese herbs are now readily available in health food stores and online, the quality of these products can vary significantly, and they may contain low concentrations of the actual herb. Even more concerning, some may be contaminated with heavy metals or harmful additives. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a certified specialist, as each person’s TCM symptoms are unique and require a specific blend of herbs. Additionally, it’s essential to purchase your herbs from a trustworthy source to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How do I know the herbs you prescribe are safe?
At Herbs and Healing, we source only from suppliers that uphold the highest standards of quality and purity. All herbs are rigorously tested to ensure they are free from pesticides, fungi, and heavy metals, and they are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified. The herbs are available in various forms, including pills, tinctures, and granules that can be dissolved in water. Herbs are prescribed on an individual basis, ensuring you receive the appropriate form and combination tailored to your needs.
Some individuals may have allergies to certain herbs, which is why it is essential to consult a qualified herbalist. For example, people allergic to plants in the ragweed family may have reactions to herbs like chamomile or chrysanthemum, which belong to the same family. A trained herbalist would be aware of such potential sensitivities.
What do herbs taste like?
Herbs come in a range of flavors, from sweet to bitter, with some being relatively mild in taste. Many patients develop a strong craving for their specific herbal formula, as their bodies feel better when they take it. Others prefer to take herbs in pill form to avoid the taste altogether.
What if I'm taking prescription medications? Will the herbs interfere with them?
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as a licensed physician or certified herbalist, before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have existing medical conditions, or are taking prescription medications.
Herbal supplements may interact with medications or have side effects, and individual responses may vary. The statements regarding herbal products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Use herbal supplements responsibly and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
FAQ Insurance
For insurance companies that we are not contracted with (out-of-network), our office will gladly submit billing to your insurance company for you if you have acupuncture benefits. Your insurance plan is a contract between you and your insurance company and any coverage credit will be sent directly to you from your insurance provider. We can also provide you with a superbill which you can send to your insurance provider to process per your benefit plan.
How do I know if acupuncture is covered by my insurance?
First, contact your insurance provider to see what your plan covers. We are currently contracted with United Healthcare and American Specialty Health. For all other insurance providers, your visits would be processed out-of-network. The next step would be to send a message or call our office at (858)588-7858. We can help answer any additional questions you may have, and set you up with an appointment.
Here’s a list of the questions to ask when you call your insurance company. They will help you get a better idea of whether you have coverage and if so, what coverage you have:
1. Does my insurance plan cover out-of-network acupuncture?
2. Is there a deductible? If so, how much?
3. How much treatment will be covered by my insurance plan?
4. How many acupuncture visits am I allowed each year?
If my insurance covers acupuncture, how much am I responsible for at each visit?
For in network insurance, our office will collect the copay or coinsurance contracted by your plan at each visit. For out of network insurance companies, our office will collect the full amount of your visit, and your insurance company will reimburse you directly after the claim is processed.
What’s a superbill?
A superbill is a receipt of services that includes diagnosis and procedure codes. It enables patients themselves to submit to insurance companies for direct reimbursement within the patient’s benefit plan.
How much treatment will be covered by my insurance?
It depends on which plan you have. PPOs typically cover from 20-80%. Because plans vary so much, however, it is essential that you call your provider and verify exact amounts so that you know what to expect.
How do I submit a superbill to get reimbursement for my treatments?
The easiest way is to go to the website of your insurance provider, print out the claim form, fill it out, attach the superbill and send it to your insurance company. After each treatment, we can email you the superbill that will make this process easier.