FAQ
Q: Is the 'needling' painful?
A: The majority of patients don't ever feel the needle, which is only as thin as two human hairs. Most will feel the Qi (energy) that usually manifests as a dull and achy sensation, an electric shock, or a pulsating or burning.
Q: Will acupuncture work with Western medicine?
A: Acupuncture is among the best complements to Western medicine. It generally does not impact the effectiveness of Western medications.
Q: How long is a session at RiverWest?
A: The first session is 1.5 hours, and includes a thorough intake, assessment and treatment. Follow-up sessions are typically about 50 minutes but can vary depending on need.
Q: How many treatments before I see results?
A: We look for changes (outcome based) after the first treatment. Response depends on the relative chronicity and severity of the imbalance being treated. The true effectiveness of acupuncture is as a cumulative process in which each treatment builds on the previous treatment.
Q: How often might I need treatment?
A: Patients generally come once a week for five to 10 weeks. If the condition is acute we may recommend twice weekly visits for two to three weeks.
Q: How long has RiverWest been in operation?
A: RiverWest Acupuncture opened in 1995.
Q: Does RiverWest take insurance?
A: Yes. We work with third-party payers including Blue Cross, Aetna and United, and HMOs like Providence, Kaiser and American Specialty Health Network, as well as most auto and worker's compensation carriers. Please contact us if you would like us to confirm your actual insurance coverage.