San Diego Acupuncture 101
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago. The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with solid, extremely fine, stainless steel filiform needles.
Does It Hurt?
The biggest question we get with regard to acupuncture is the famous ‘Does it hurt?’ The short answer is, no, not as much as you probably think.
What do we mean by that? Well, when the majority of people hear the word ‘needle’ they immediately make an association with a hypodermic needle and getting a ‘shot’ at a doctor visit. The problem with that is two fold 1) hypodermic needles are a heavier gauge (thickness) than acupuncture needles 2) the real pain involved with getting a shot is not from the needle penetrating the skin but from the actual injection of the liquid into the body.
The discomfort you might feel when an acupuncture is tapped into position is not nearly as bad as a single hair being pulled out. In fact, the majority of the time the you won’t even feel the needle penetrate at all.
Does It Work?
There have been many studies on acupuncture’s potential usefulness and promising results have emerged showing efficacy of acupuncture.
Acupuncture treatments have shown results related to:
- Neck Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Headache
- Low-Back Pain
- Myofascial Pain
- Knee Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Postoperative & Chemotherapy Nausea
- Sciatica
- Stress
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Tennis Elbow
Does My Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
This is a frequently asked question and in many cases the answer is yes. Please give Leslie our clinic manager a call 858-467-9893 to verify your insurance coverage before your appointment. A few of the insurance companies we currently contract with that do cover acupuncture:
Aetna
ASHP/Kaiser Permanente
Anthem/Blue Cross of California
Blue Shield of California
CIGNA
Coventry Health Care
Optum Health
Pacificare/Secure Horizons
United Healthcare
Does Workers Compensation Cover Acupuncture?
California Labor Code Section 4600 specifically mandates that employers must provide injured workers with appropriate treatment including acupuncture, if needed, according to ACOEM guidelines.
Let us do the work for you, we are on most MPN’s and will be happy to contact your primary treating physician or workers compensation insurance adjuster for pre-authorization to start acupuncture treatment ASAP.
What Next?
Make an appointment! As the saying goes ‘you won’t know unless you try’. Click the “booknow” button up top or give us a call today. We recommend you take advantage of our current new patient $95 acupuncture and massage special and sleep great tonight.
We look forward to hearing from you!!
Acupuncture – I came in 2 weeks ago because my shoulder, neck & back has been constantly bothering me due to a MVA from 4 years back. Shaheed took great care of me & made sure that all my pain dissipated before he sent me on my way.
Massage – I came in last week for my massage with Kailyn, which was part of the new customer package deal. I had the worse pain & knots in my upper back & neck. Kailyn worked out all the knots & I actually fell asleep for a little bit & I hardly ever fall asleep when I get massages. I left feeling relaxed & refreshed.
Due to the wonderful customer service, professionalism, friendliness & wonderful outcome of my visits…I’m definitely coming back as a regular patient.
I truly recommend all readers to take advantage of the $85 acupuncture special…you truly won’t regret it.
Thank you Shaheed & Kailyn! =D
FINALLY!!!
After almost 2 years of dealing with plantar fasciitis, seeing 2 podiatrists, physical therapy, 3 months in an air cast, 2-3 cortisone shots, wearing a night splint, I can finally walk on my foot without pain. I am a believer and so grateful!! Dr. Abdullah is amazing – Thank you!!
A.J. Jun 18, 2012
