FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Medical Acupuncture is a treatment that uses very thin needles inserted at specific points throughout the body.  It is a treatment based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of healing that dates back about 2500 years. TCM is based on the belief that energy (Qi), or life-force, flows through the body in channels called meridians.  If Qi does not flow freely throughout the body, it can cause illness or pain.  Using Medical Acupuncture at specific points in the body can restore the flow of Qi and in doing so, restore health.  Medical Acupuncture is used widely throughout the world and it is recommended by the World Health Organization as a way to treat over 100 medical conditions.  Medical Acupuncture can improve and restore bodily functions, promote healing, and relieve pain.

Medical Acupuncture is derived from both Asian and European sources.  Medical Acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a Physician (M.D. or D.O) or a Dentist trained and licensed in western medicine who has additional training in acupuncture. 

Medical Acupuncture combines modern scientific understanding of neuroanatomy, physiology, pathology, and evidence-based medicine with traditional principles of Qi energy flow. Needling acupuncture points located between nerves and muscles stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain.  These chemicals can either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s internal regulating system.  Medical Acupuncture can also stimulate the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) and other chemicals to decrease pain and improve energy.  This drug-free treatment of pain is recognized by the many major medical institutions in the United States and Canada and the U.S. Armed Forces. Some military doctors are trained in Medical Acupuncture to treat Service Members in combat deployed settings where the use of narcotics is limited.

Medical Acupuncture is most often associated with the treatment of pain.  Although Dr. Fitzgerald specializes in the treatment of acute and chronic neck and back pain, she has successfully treated many conditions with Medical Acupuncture.  Medical Acupuncture can be effective as a solo treatment or in adjunct to other medical treatments in many medical and surgical disorders. It is also helpful to treat physical conditions that arise from tension and emotional stress. 

The medical and surgical disorders that can be treated with Medical Acupuncture include, but are not limited to:

Cancer Treatment Side Effects: Fatigue, Leukopenia/Neutropenia, Nausea, Neuropathy, Lymphedema, Xerostomia

Cardiology: Hypertension, Palpitations

Dental: TMJ, Bruxism, Pain after Procedures/Surgery

Ear, Nose, Throat and Pulmonary: Asthma, Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Common Cold

Emotional and Psychological: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, PTSD, Stress

Gastrointestinal: Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, Constipation, Gastritis, GERD, Irritable Bowel, Nausea/Vomiting, Ulcers

Gynecologic: Fertility, Menstrual Cramps, Dysmenorrhea, Menopause, PCOS, PMS Symptoms

Neurologic: Bell’s Palsy, Headaches (tension, migraine, mixed type), Entrapment Neuropathy (Carpal Tunnel, Piriformis Syndrome), Peripheral Neuropathy

Neurosurgical: Neck Pain, Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Spinal Stenosis Pain, Spondolethesis Pain

Orthopedic: Arthritis, Achilles Tendonitis, Frozen Shoulder, Joint Pain (ankle, elbow, knee, shoulder), Tennis Elbow, Osteoarthritis

Rheumatologic:  Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain, Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Urinary: Bladder Spasms, Chronic UTI, Incontinence

Other: Smoking Cessation, Surgical or Injury Scars

Here is a list of conditions frequently treated by Medical Acupuncture and the list of conditions that the WHO (World Health Organization) recommends treatment with Medical Acupuncture.

This is not a complete list of ailments that can be treated with Medical Acupuncture.  If you do not see your condition listed, please don’t hesitate to contact Bonsai Medical Acupuncture and ask if Dr. Fitzgerald can treat your condition.

Yes, Medical Acupuncture is generally very safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. The needles are single-use, sterile, and very fine, which minimizes risk.  Common, but infrequent, side effects can include soreness or tiny bruises at the needle insertion sites.

There are certain conditions in which Medical Acupuncture is still safe but the technique would be altered.  It is very important to inform Dr. Fitzgerald if you have any of the following health conditions: 

• Pregnancy

• Pacemaker

• Use of Blood Thinning Medications

• Bleeding Disorders

• Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

• Neutropenia (low white blood cells)

Medical Acupuncture needles are usually inserted between tissues and muscles, making them less painful.  Medical Acupuncture needles are very thin and the point is smooth (not hollow like the cutting edges of a hypodermic needle) so insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood draws.  You may briefly feel an acupuncture needle as it passes through your skin layer.  In general, most patients do not notice or are bothered by the placement of acupuncture needles.  Some areas may be more sensitive, such as hands, feet, or areas with tight muscles (such as tight low back muscles or knots in the shoulder).  You should not feel pain.  If you do, please let Dr. Fitzgerald know.  She can adjust the needle or remove it and use other points. 

Dr. Fitzgerald will ask about your medical history and symptoms, similar to your experience at other doctor appointments.  She will do a brief physical exam that will likely include feeling your pulses, looking at your tongue, and examining the part of your body pertaining to the reason for your appointment visit.  Then, you will receive an Medical Acupuncture treatment either lying on a massage table (face up, face down or on your side) or if necessary, sitting in a reclining chair.

Bonsai Medical Acupuncture currently accepts the following insurance companies:

1. Regence Blue Shield

2. Regence Group Administrators

3. Healthcare Management Administrators (HMA)

4. Premera Blue Cross

There are wide variations in how patients experience a Medical Acupuncture treatment.  Dr. Fitzgerald will describe the session in detail to you before the treatment begins. 

In general, 5-20 acupuncture needles will be placed.  Medical Acupuncture needles are sterile, solid, stainless steel and very thin.  Most patients feel minimal or no discomfort as the needles are inserted.  Needles will usually be placed in your arms/hands, legs/feet and the area requiring treatment, for example your neck, low back or abdomen.  Depending on your condition, mild electrical stimulation may be attached to some of the needles to enhance the efficacy of treatment.

Throughout the treatment, some patients describe gentle tingling, warmth, or dull achy sensations at the site of the acupuncture needles.  Many patients don’t feel the needles and forget that they are there.  The needles will remain in place for 15-30 minutes while you lie still on a massage table.  Many patients find a Medical Acupuncture treatment to be very relaxing and some people even fall asleep.

• Patients usually feel very relaxed after a Medical Acupuncture treatment.  Some patients may feel more energetic.  Occasionally,  patients are so relaxed that they can feel lightheaded.  If this occurs, Dr. Fitzgerald will have you wait in the office for 5-10 minutes until the sensation clears and you are ready to walk and drive.  The lightheadedness is more likely to occur during your first few treatments as your body becomes accustomed to Medical Acupuncture.

• On very rare occasions, a problem can flare up during the first 24 hours after a Medical Acupuncture treatment and then it will start to improve.  When this rare occurrence happens, it is usually due treatment for a musculoskeletal problem in the trunk of the body (shoulder, ribs, or back). 

• Some patients are more tired after a Medical Acupuncture treatment.  You may feel so tired that you require a nap or go to bed early that night.  If possible, it is encouraged that you rest rather than counter the tiredness with caffeine.  It is important to plan your activities accordingly, so that you can get some rest and not have to be focused or make big decisions for the remainder of the day of your treatment.  The tiredness is more likely to occur during your first few treatments but it may also be your body’s typical response to all Medical Acupuncture treatments.

• The benefits of Medical Acupuncture needling are still occurring during the first 24 hours after a treatment.  Therefore, to achieve the best response, the following are recommended for the remainder of the day of your treatment:

  • Stay hydrated, preferably with water

  • Eat well, healthy and avoid large amounts of sweets and fats

  • Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs

  • Avoid strenuous exercise and sexual activity

  • Stay warm and, if recommended, use a heat pad on the treated area

• You can resume all normal routines the day after your Medical Acupuncture treatment.

To prepare for your Medical Acupuncture treatment and get the most benefit from your treatment:

• Hydrate by drinking water 

• Eat normally and eat at least one meal before your treatment.  Do not eat an unusually large meal or sweets immediately before your treatment.  

• Continue to take any prescription medications and routine medications, vitamins and supplements.  

• Bring any relevant medical records, medication lists or updates.  

• Wear loose clothing that can easily expose your arms (elbows to hand), legs (knees to feet), and the problem area.  You can also bring a pair of shorts or a different type of shirt to change into at the appointment .  Alternatively, a bed sheet can be provided if you need to disrobe in order to expose a particular part of your body for your treatment.

The number of treatments varies based on your condition and overall health. Some people feel relief with one session, particularly if the Medical Acupuncture treatment is for a sudden, new condition.  Other people, especially those using acupuncture to treat a chronic condition, may require multiple treatments.  If you are using Medical Acupuncture for a chronic condition, you should know within 3-5 treatments whether or not it is helping.  

For those that find benefit, patients eventually change to a maintenance schedule for receiving Medical Acupuncture to treat their condition.  For example a patient may receive a Medical Acupuncture treatment once every 4-6 weeks to keep migraine headaches or chronic neck pain abated or come as needed several times a year to treat anxiety in anticipation or response to an event in their lives.

Yes, Medical Acupuncture can complement other treatments such as medications, herbal therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, chemotherapy and radiation, and surgery.  Please inform Dr. Fitzgerald about any additional therapies that you are receiving.  It is recommended, but not essential, that you have a Medical Acupuncture treatment on a different day than physical therapy or a massage so that you can maximize the benefit of your Medical Acupuncture treatment.

No, you do not have to believe in Medical Acupuncture in order to have a successful response. Medical Acupuncture is used to treat cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the Medical Acupuncture process but nevertheless, it helps them get better. However, an open mind and a positive attitude towards wellness may enhance the effects of the Medical Acupuncture treatment.

Cupping is another ancient treatment that can be used to treat pain and muscle tightness.  It is used to treat myofascial dysfunction, muscle tightness, scar adhesions, and herpes zoster. 

A suction or vacuum force pulls the skin upward.  The suction force expands and breaks open capillaries (tiny blood vessels) under the skin. The body then replenishes the cupped areas of the body with healthy blood flow and stimulates the healing process.  

Cupping marks are a common side effect.  They are circular in shape and can range in color from light pink to dark purple, depending on your skin tone and how much pressure is applied to the cups.  The marks fade over time, in about 1-10 days.  It is important to inform Dr. Fitzgerald if you would not want visual cupping marks during the week after your appointment (for example because of an upcoming wedding or event).  

Dr. Fitzgerald offers cupping as an individual treatment or complimentary after a Medical Acupuncture treatment if appropriate and desired.  

Learn more about Cupping.

Auricular Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points around the outer ear that correspond to specific organs, emotions or sensory feelings.  Auricular Acupuncture is done using small acupuncture needles (smaller than the needles used elsewhere on the body), tiny ear tabs or seeds.  Auricular Acupuncture can be used alone or as part of your regular Medical Acupuncture treatment. 

Auricular Acupuncture is well-known for its smoking cessation protocol.  This is an auricular treatment that uses 5 needles in specific locations in one ear, leaving the needles in for 20 minutes, and repeating the treatment weekly.   It is most successful when done along with other smoking cessation treatments such as medication and counseling.  

Additionally, Dr. Fitzgerald has been trained in two other Auricular Acupuncture protocols that are often used in the US Military.  These use 5-6 auricular points to treat acute pain, stress and PTSD.  These are treatments that can be done alone or in conjunction with a larger Medical Acupuncture treatment.