Frequently asked questions

Here are the basics of what you need to know before starting a new health journey.

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture, an ancient east-asian medical modality, offers a safe and non-invasive form of treatment that has proven effective for a wide range of conditions. This therapeutic approach involves the precise insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, stimulating circulation, reducing inflammation and fostering the body's natural healing abilities. These acupuncture points are interconnected by pathways called meridians (nervous system pathways), which correspond to different organs and systems within the body. By stimulating these points, the aim is to restore the synergistic function of the body’s chemistry and physiology.

There are several reasons why a patient may consider seeking acupuncture as a treatment option:

Pain Management: Acupuncture has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in relieving pain. It can be used to alleviate acute and chronic pain conditions such as headaches, migraines, back pain, joint pain, and musculoskeletal disorders. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, and promotes relaxation, thereby reducing pain and improving overall well-being.

Stress Reduction: In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a prevalent concern. Acupuncture is known to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. By targeting specific acupuncture points, the treatment helps regulate the body's stress response, balance the nervous system, and improve emotional well-being. This can lead to reduced anxiety, improved sleep quality, and an overall sense of calm.

Holistic Approach: Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on treating isolated symptoms or conditions, acupuncture takes a holistic approach to health. It considers the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. Acupuncture seeks to address the underlying imbalances or disruptions in the body's energy flow, aiming to restore overall balance and promote wellness. Patients seeking a comprehensive and natural healthcare approach may find acupuncture appealing.

Enhancing Well-being: Acupuncture is not solely limited to treating specific conditions; it can also be used to enhance overall well-being and maintain optimal health. Many individuals choose acupuncture as a preventive measure to boost their immune system, improve energy levels, promote mental clarity, and support emotional balance. Regular acupuncture sessions can help optimize the body's self-healing abilities and support long-term wellness.

Complementary Treatment: Acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments. It is often integrated into comprehensive treatment plans to enhance the effectiveness of other interventions. For example, acupuncture is commonly used in conjunction with physical therapy, chiropractic care, or medication to provide synergistic benefits and improve treatment outcomes.

It is important to note that acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and has shown positive effects in many individuals.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease and dysfunction in the body. It is a patient-centered model that aims to treat the whole person rather than just managing symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners view the body as an interconnected system, and they seek to understand how various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, environment, and nutrition, contribute to a person's health and well-being.

In functional medicine, the emphasis is placed on identifying imbalances or dysfunctions in the body's systems and addressing them through personalized treatment plans. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's medical history, lifestyle factors, laboratory testing, and other diagnostic tools to gain a deeper understanding of their unique health picture. The Functional medicine practitioners at Copacetic Health Institute spend time with patients, listening to their concerns and developing a partnership to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions, functional medicine utilizes a combination of approaches to restore balance and promote overall wellness. This may include targeted nutrition plans, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, exercise programs, herbal supplements, and other natural therapies. The goal is to support the body's inherent healing mechanisms and promote optimal functioning of all systems.

Functional medicine is often utilized in the management and prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances, and cardiovascular conditions. By addressing the underlying causes and imbalances, functional medicine aims to improve the patient's health and quality of life, with a focus on long-term well-being rather than temporary symptom relief.

Licensed functional medicine practitioners at Copacetic Health Institute work in collaboration with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive and integrative care for their patients.Overall, functional medicine offers a patient-centered, systems-oriented approach to healthcare that seeks to identify and address the root causes of illness and dysfunction, ultimately promoting optimal health and well-being.

How often will I come and for how long?

Studies by the military show that frequency and consistency of treatment is essential at the beginning or treatment course. The therapy is a progressive one meaning that you progressively improve as the therapy is consistently applied. The typical treatment course 2 times a week for 2-3 weeks and then we reassess.
Each treatment is 50 min. The initial evaluation with treatment is 75 min.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, we are in network with United Health Care and with the VA. We are out of network with all other insurance providers. Please bear in mind, each insurance policy is written differently and some policies may have acupuncture benefits and some may not.

We offer affordable, transparent, cash based and package pricing.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

We use the industry standard medical grade acupuncture needle made by Japanese made serin needles of the finest gauge in order to provide the most painless experience. When an area of the body has poor circulation oftentimes there may be sensational discomfort in association with the needle. It often resolves after a few seconds.

What can I expect after a treatment?

You should expect to feel very at ease. You may have unusual sensations because as we change the way your nervous system communicates, because we are improving the communication of your nervous system, the lingering sensations last up to 24 hours of ache, soreness, as well as elation, euphoria.

How do I prepare?

Please wear comfortable loose fitting clothing that allows access to the legs, arms and belly. You will keep your clothes on during treatment. Please do not drink alcohol or caffeine 3 hours before treatment.

Treating symptoms is a vastly different approach than adjusting the cause.