A man receiving acupuncture on his shoulder by a licensed acupuncturist

A Center for Acupuncture

What Is Acupuncture?

At WillowBridge, we offer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture, a time-honored, holistic therapy that has been practiced for over 2,000 years to support and enhance the body’s natural ability to heal. Grounded in the principles of restoring balance and harmony within the body, TCM acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of ultra-fine needles into specific points along the body’s meridians—channels through which vital energy, or Qi, flows. This precise stimulation activates the nervous system, prompting the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters that naturally alleviate pain, calm the mind, and reduce inflammation. In addition to relieving physical discomfort, acupuncture enhances circulation, strengthens immune function, and regulates internal systems, helping to address a wide spectrum of both physical and emotional imbalances. Whether used to manage chronic conditions, reduce stress, or simply promote a greater sense of overall wellness, acupuncture at WillowBridge is rooted in centuries of proven effectiveness and delivered with the care and expertise that modern healing deserves.

What are some Commonly Treated Ailments?

Pain & Musculoskeletal Issues: Back pain, sciatica, arthritis, migraines, headaches, "frozen shoulder," tennis elbow, and muscle spasms. Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, colds, and allergies. Digestive Disorders: IBS, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, ulcers, and food allergies. Gynecological & Reproductive Health: PMS, painful or irregular menstruation, infertility, menopause symptoms, and fibroids. Emotional Well-being: Anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression. Immune Support: Chronic fatigue, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. Other Conditions: Hormonal imbalances, addictions, and side effects from chemotherapy or radiation.
What should I expect on my first visit?

For your initial consultation, the acupuncturist needs to assess your general health. You will be asked about your current symptoms and any treatment you've received so far. It is also important to gather detailed information about your medical history and that of your family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The purpose is to identify what needs to be addressed in order to target your specific complaint, and to boost your overall vitality. Stimulation of specific areas affects the functioning of various organs. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where you are experiencing a problem. For example, if you suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your foot or hand. There are 365 specific acupuncture points on the body, and an unlimited number of non-specific points. An experienced acupuncturist will use a section of these for each session.
What should I do before a treatment?

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing to receive acupuncture treatment. You should be aware that the acupuncturist may need to access points on your torso, arms and legs. It also helps to be in a calm state. Try to arrive 5 or 10 minutes before your appointment to give yourself a chance to relax. Try to avoid the following: Eating a big meal within one hour of your appointment Fasting for more than six hours before your appointment Alcohol, tobacco, food or drinks that color your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment or just following a treatment Vigorous exercise or sexual activity within the hour before treatment We also recommend that you avoid wearing any metallic jewelry, watches, or earrings. Makeup and nail polish should be minimized or eliminated. Please also avoid the use of perfumes, colognes or strongly scented cosmetics.
How many sessions will I need?

Length, number and frequency of sessions vary, depending on condition. For most conditions, a series of several sessions is necessary to achieve the maximum benefit. After an initial consultation, the acupuncturist should provide you with a treatment plan that includes the techniques to be used, as well as the frequency and duration of treatment. A typical series of sessions consists of 6 to 12 visits, once or twice a week, with sessions lasting 60 minutes each. Acute conditions, such as sprains, generally require less time and frequency, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several (or several dozen) sessions. Appointments are scheduled further and further apart after the optimal response has been achieved. Some people experience great benefits from weekly or monthly sessions.
How long do appointments last?

The length of acupuncture sessions varies depending on your condition. Typically, your first visit will be 90 minutes and your subsequent visits will be 60 minutes.
How will I feel after an acupuncture session?

Patients normally feel relaxed and calm. You may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the experience is particularly strong. You may also experience a short-term flair-up of symptoms in the healing process. After a session, it is a good idea to sit quietly and relax. A gentle walk or very mild exercise can also be helpful. Avoid big meals, vigorous exercise, alcohol and stressful situations.
Are there risks or side effects of Acupuncture?

The acupuncture needle is a fine, disposable (one-time use), sterile, FDA-approved medical device. While acupuncture is a highly safe form of physical medicine, there are a few risks. These include bruising, fainting, muscle spasms, bleeding, nerve damage (extremely rare) and punctured organs (extremely rare).
How deep do the needles go?

Acupuncture points are located on or close to the skin’s surface, but needles can be inserted from 1/16 to a few inches deep. The depth of insertion depends on the nature of the location and condition being addressed, the patients’ size, age, and constitution, as well as the acupuncturist’s style and training.
Do acupuncture needles hurt?

There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. One reason is that they are much finer than those used for injections and blood tests – 25 to 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles. Further, the actual insertion is done very quickly. While some feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of discomfort, sometimes followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling or numbness (desirable sensations known as “attaining qi”). The needles are left in place for 20 to 90 minutes. Most people find the experience relaxing, and some even fall asleep during sessions.
Does WillowBridge accept insurance for Acupuncture?

We accept most insurance, though we do recommend contacting your insurance number found on the back of your insurance card prior to making an appointment. We recommend to ask your insurance company the following questions: Is acupuncture covered by my plan? Is a referral required from my Primary Care Provider (PCP)? Is reimbursement limited to a particular network or panel of providers? Is reimbursement limited only to Medical Doctors (MD) who perform acupuncture and not applicable to licensed acupuncturists? Is pre-authorization required? Am I limited to specific diagnosis codes (only specific sessions)? If so, what are they? Is there an annual deductible? If so, how much is the deductible? How much has been met? If I am covered for acupuncture, then may I receive written proof/authorization? Is there a maximum yearly allowance for acupuncture? Maximum number of visits? Specific dollar amount? What percentage is covered?

Our Acupuncture Team

Byron

Licensed Acupuncturist

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