Jackie Payne Acupuncture
Jacqueline Aurora Payne, M.S., L.Ac., C.SMA
FAQ's
What does acupuncture do?
An acupuncture needle does not inject anything into the body nor does it withdraw anything. There are no pharmaceuticals involved. The needles are solid. By stimulating the innate healing resources we all possess within, acupuncture helps correct energetic imbalances in the body/mind. It addresses the “root” or source of the condition as well as the symptoms. Acupuncture helps the body/mind heal itself.
Why choose acupuncture?
One of the beautiful qualities that this medical art possesses is that every person is viewed as a unique whole being. Western medicine tends to view people in parts and often will treat the “part” of the person in pain. Eastern medicine understands that all of these parts cannot be separated. For instance if someone has foot pain, acupuncture will treat the person with the foot pain as opposed to treating just the foot pain. Not everyone’s experience of illness is the same and acupuncture recognizes these differences. Acupuncture treatments are tailored to the individual being treated.
What is a typical acupuncture visit like?
At the first acupuncture session, we will discuss your reason(s) for treatment and go through the intake form. I will ask various questions about your health, take your pulse, look at your tongue and palpate (therapeutic touch) diagnostic areas, such as the Meridians, in order to determine how to proceed with treatment. Then very fine, sterile needles will be placed in the surface of the skin along the Meridians. One of the other modalities of Chinese Medicine may be incorporated at this time such as Moxibustion, Cupping, or Gua Sha, depending on the treatment. The patient is then left to comfortably rest for a brief time. During this time you may fall asleep, daydream or enter a deeply relaxed state. Follow up treatments are similar to the first but slightly shorter. We will track your progress from week to week and tailor the treatments accordingly.
How long are the sessions?
The initial session ranges from an hour and a half to an hour and 15 minutes. Follow up sessions vary anywhere from 50 min. to 1 hour 10 min. depending on the treatment.
How many visits will I need?
Acupuncture works cumulatively and not everyone’s response to treatment is the same. The amount of visits depends on the condition and the person. Some people have very fast results and others may have a slower time responding. Generally acute conditions take a shorter course of treatment: 5-6 consecutive weekly treatments. Chronic conditions usually require more consecutive treatments over a longer period of time. Once the condition subsides, a follow up treatment every two weeks to once a month is recommended.
How many needles are used in a session?
The amount of needles used can vary greatly from treatment to treatment and patient to patient. The greater the amount of needles used does not necessarily mean the more effective the treatment. Sometimes “less is more”.
Does acupuncture hurt?
An acupuncture treatment feels nothing like receiving an injection with a syringe. An acupuncture needle is thinner than a guitar string, as light as a feather, and very flexible. Typical sensations one may experience at the insertion site could be heaviness, warmth, tingling, or a dull aching feeling. Sometimes you may not even know the needles are in place.
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by a trained, licensed, nationally board certified professional like myself, acupuncture is extremely safe. I obtained my Master of Science degree in acupuncture after completing 3 years of full time clinical and didactic study totaling over 3000 hours. This differs greatly from the 300-hour acupuncture certification offered to Western medical doctors. Also I only use packaged, sterile, disposable needles.
How should I prepare for treatment?
Prior to your first treatment you will be asked to complete the new patient intake form. This form can be downloaded and then sent back, printed from online and brought to the appointment filled out, or you can arrive 20 minutes early to your treatment to complete the form. You should come to your appointment in loose comfortable clothes, or bring a change of clothes with you. If you forget don’t worry you will be draped. Also please have eaten a light meal at least a couple of hours before the treatment.
What to expect after treatment?
Since acupuncture works cumulatively, the effects of treatment keep working throughout the week. Some individuals may experience total or partial relief of their pain or symptoms after the first few treatments, while others may notice a steady, gradual improvement. In some cases, no relief may be felt at all until after several days go by. Some people may notice that their pain actually seems to be worse before it gets better. Acupuncture is a personal experience and unique to everyone.
Acupuncture treatments can offer unexpected benefits. Patients often experience not just the initial condition being treated improving but other aspects of their health as well. Many report sleeping better, increased energy and focus, improved digestive function, stabilized mood, and easier menstrual cycles to name a few.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. Insurance is accepted depending upon the individual policy.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Out of respect for my time and the time of other patients, there is a 24-hour cancellation policy. The session will be charged if cancelled less than 24 hours before the scheduled time.
What are the methods of payment?
Cash, checks and credit cards.
Pay online with PayPal or a credit card (via PayPal)