Wisdom Traditions: Acupuncture FAQ

Acupuncture is new to the world of empirical research, so our understanding of how acupuncture works is currently very limited. Most of the preliminary research has been focused on whether it works, rather than how. Preliminary studies show that the release of opioids and other peptides, as well as changes in neuroendocrine function in the central and peripheral nervous system are involved in acupuncture’s effectiveness. For more information, please click on “Related Links” at the top of this page.

Yes. Acupuncturists are very careful about safety and cleanliness in the treatment room. Safety includes swabbing each point with alcohol before needling, and using pre-packaged, sterilized needles that are carefully discarded after a single use.

Frequently Asked Questions

The needles are extremely thin, approximately the size of a few human hairs, and are solid. You may feel a brief sensation when the needle is inserted, but generally this treatment isn’t painful.

Does it hurt?

Is it safe?

How does it work?

Phone: 301-246-0312

E-mail: acumedicine@gmail.com

Patients are everyday people. They seek acupuncture for a wide variety of conditions from pain, digestive issues or fertility to depression and anxiety. There is no “typical” patient profile. People range from young to older, from single to families etc. They come in to seek help with matters of physical health, emotional upset, stress, spiritual stuckness and existential questioning. As whole person medicine, acupuncture addresses all of these issues at the same time.

What type of people come in for acupuncture, and why do they seek this kind of treatment?

At Wisdom Traditions Acupuncture, we know that each individual seeking help has different needs and different ways they prefer to be tended. Some like to talk, while others prefer to let their body’s signs and symptoms speak for them. Some want to know more about lifestyle changes they might make to increase their long term health, while others don’t care to have that be part of the conversation. Some come in with pain that is injury based, while others come in with pain that is speaking a more complex stressful situation in their life. We consider each person to be the ‘expert’ on themselves, and believe that our job is to partner with you to learn more about the bigger picture of what is going on, and how you can achieve wellness and freedom from suffering.

What makes Wisdom Traditions Acupuncture different from other centers?

If your insurance company does cover acupuncture, we give you the necessary paperwork to send in for reimbursement of your costs. We do not directly bill the insurance company. This allows us greater freedom to give you the treatment you need and deserve, without the time constraints and boundaries that insurance companies place on practitioners.

Do you take insurance?

Inner Journey Wellness Center 5420 Klee Mill Rd, Sykesville, MD 21784

Mondays and Thursdays, 10am-8pm

Federal Hill Massage & Wellness 1124 S Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21230

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10am-8pm

What are your business hours?

Your first appointment will last about two hours and will consist of a health history, physical exam, and your first treatment. During this time the main focus is to get to know you and to understand your health concerns so that we can focus treatment on your needs. Subsequent visits will last approximately one hour.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The number of treatments needed to resolve symptoms differs for each individual. This is affected partly by the nature of the issue, and partly by how long it has been affecting you. Generally, I recommend that people schedule appointments once a week for the first 4-6 treatments. These early treatments are cumulative in nature, and most effective when reinforced on a regular schedule. At the end of this time, practitioner and patient re-evaluate together and determine how treatment should proceed. Many people choose to continue treatment bi-weekly for a few weeks, and then space out treatments from there. Often, patients choose to continue treatment seasonally to keep themselves at peak health and prevent symptoms from returning.

How many treatments will I need to relieve my symptoms?

The confidentiality of the information that is discussed between you and your practitioner is highly valued and seriously protected. In fact, there have been times when a clinician has seen two or more people that know each other yet the patients never figured out the commonality. It is also important to know that you will not be judged or criticized for the things that you say to your practitioner. We are trained to be present for you in a way that does not allow for our emotional reactions or opinions to factor into the room.

How confidential are my treatments?