Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a type of medical healing therapy in which thin needles are inserted into the skin using very precise points on our bodies, known simply as Acupuncture Points, found just beyond the surface of the skin. They have high concentrations of nerve endings, mast cells, lymphatic vessels, and capillaries. When an acupuncture needle is inserted into a point, it stimulates the sensory receptor, which in turn stimulates the nerve, which then transmits impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. This complex system of interactions (often called a “feedback loop”) between the brain, hormones, and glands is responsible for regulating a number of bodily processes. Because acupuncture helps to regulate the various feedback loops in your body, it actually allows your body to heal itself of whatever is wrong!

This amazing trait is unique to nearly every other medical system, and has sustained acupuncture as a completely safe, natural, and drug-free system of medicine for over 5,000 years. Acupuncture points are found on “meridian” lines, which could be more easily described as looking like a map of “nerve lines” that run all over our bodies.

Classical Chinese Medicine often describes the meridians, or channels of Qi (pronounced “chee” – meaning “energy”) as being like rivers which run through the body to nourish and irrigate the tissues, organs and production of energy. If there is an energetic block in these channels, it is like a dam which backs up the river causing overflow. By needling the Acupuncture Points along these meridians, these dams are freed and the circulation of Qi will flow properly again, allowing for optimal health and balance in the body.

People often associate needles with pain because their association with hypodermic needles. Acupuncture needles, however, are tiny, thin and flexible – about the size of a cat’s whisker. You can fit up to 20 acupuncture needles inside of the tip of a hypodermic needle!

Most patients report feeling a sensation of warmth, heaviness or a slight tingling where needles are inserted. Some patients feel very relaxed, and may even fall asleep. Acupuncture needles arrive sterilized, in sealed blister packages, and are single-use only. They are disposed of into hospital-grade biohazard sharps containers upon removal from the body.

Every patient is different, and length of treatment depends on a variety of factors. Initially, it is recommended that the patient come on a weekly basis for the first 4 to 10 treatments, but this is variable. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, typically 8 to 10 visits in total. Chronic health problems and long-term pain often require more treatments because the problem has moved more deeply into the body. It is essential to get treatments close to each other at first, because each treatment gains momentum on the last.

Treatment plans and frequency are discussed at each session. Favorable responses mean that treatments will be spanned out to bi-weekly, then monthly. Once the condition has cleared, “wellness treatments”  several times per year, or “as needed” is recommended. Many patients choose to come several times per month for “wellness treatments” because acupuncture gives them a general sense of well-being, balance, and overall health.

Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, such as sweatpants, gym shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and bras or sports-bras which allow nominal access to the back, are recommended. Pants and sleeves may be rolled up during treatment. If any undergarments or tight-fitting clothing need to be removed, drape sheets are provided.

Before your first treatment, you will need to fill out a small amount of paperwork. Upon confirmation of booking your first treatment, you will first receive a Welcome Letter via email, which we ask you to simply review prior to your treatment. You will then get a second email with your Intake, Consent and Privacy Policy Forms from jes.acupuncture.pa@gmail.com. You may print and fill out these forms at home and bring them with you to your first visit, or arrive at least 15 minutes early, prior to your first acupuncture appointment in order to complete all paperwork.

At each treatment, your Chief Complaint, health history, diet, lifestyle and any health problems that you are experiencing – from head to toe, will be discussed! Frequency of your treatments will be adjusted and scheduled accordingly. Nutrition plays a major role in our health, so Dietary Advice is also offered and included with each treatment plan. After this initial intake, TCM Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis will be made by simply looking at the tongue and feeling the quality of the pulse.

Prior to every treatment, patients should not brush or scrape their tongue for at least 24 hours, and they should always consume a light meal containing protein, limit caffeine intake, and avoid the use of drugs and alcohol. (Always continue regular use of any medication as prescribed by your doctor.)

The patient will then lie down, and anywhere from approximately 4 to 20 needles will be inserted. This is followed by about 20 minutes of “quiet time” where the patient can relax and the Qi circulates.

Each session will also typically include a 10 to 15 minute Traditional Chinese Medical Cupping session during or following treatment, however, sometimes patients can also enjoy the benefits of gua sha, tui na, or moxibustion following (or during) treatment. This is based on each patient’s individual needs and diagnosis.

Each Session will last a total of 75 minutes.

• Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (by using change in heat, known as “fire cupping” or by suctioning out air), so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup.  In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (the technique is called gliding cupping).  Cupping therapies often follow the point selection pattern that is used for standard acupuncture therapy, with somewhat greater emphasis on the use of back points (due to the ease of performing this technique there).  However, other acupuncture points may be emphasized on other areas of the body.
• Gua Sha (pronounced “gwah shah”) meaning “scraping sha-bruises”, is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is scraped to produce light bruising or reddening using a special tool usually made of plastic, crystal, or jade. Gua Sha releases unhealthy elements from injured areas and stimulates blood flow and healing.
• Tui Na (pronounced “twee naw”), which literally means “pinch and pull,” refers to a wide range of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapeutic massage and body work. Tui na is not generally used for pleasure and relaxation, but rather as a treatment to address specific patterns of disharmony.
• Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy (referred to simply as “Moxa”) in which a dried herb called Mugwort, is burned on or near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences. The skin is often protected by an herbal cream, known as “Shiunko” (pronounced “Shin-ko”) which protects the skin.

General Info

• Treatment recommended 1 to 2 times per week depending on skin condition which is assessed at first treatment.
• “Tune Up” Treatments every 6 to 8 months.
• Results are visible following the very first treatment.
• A safe alternative to Botox and Cosmetic Surgery.
• Worst side effect is occasional bruising from the needles.
• Sessions are 1 hour and include Arbonne Skin Care Products.
• Patients can shop products at jacquelinestefanski.arbonne.com
• Facial Rejuvanation is PREVENTATIVE! Come before the wrinkles start! Or turn the clock back if your clock seems to be running “fast”!

A series of Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation Treatments Can:

• Erase fine lines, deeper wrinkles diminished
• Lift sagging eye lids, reduce bags/circles
• Firm jowls and minimize double chin
• Improve muscle tone and increase collagen production
• Eliminate puffiness by improving metabolism and eliminating excess fluids
• Improve hormonal balance, benefits acne
• Increase circulation of blood and lymph to the face and improves facial color
• Moisturize the skin and tighten pores
• Significantly reduce the appearance of scars and age spots
• Slow the aging process from within
• Reduce stress evident in the face
• Promote overall health and well being

Facial Cupping is included and does NOT leave traditional bruising associated with body cupping. (Slide cups only with Arbonne facial oil)

• Increases circulation, improving nutrient delivery to skin.
• Stimulates cells responsible for collagen production, improving skin elasticity.
• Reduces scars, excess oil and pore size.
• Visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
• Tones jawline, chin, and neck.
• Increases Absorption of Skin Products utilized during treatment.

Arrive 15 Minutes Early, client washes face and removes makeup with Arbonne Products I provide.

I will then begin treatment with:

• Regenerating Toner (if needed)
• Needle Application (INCLUDES A SMALL NUMBER OF BODY NEEDLES AS WELL TO TREAT THE “ROOT” OF SKIN ISSUES)
• Needle Removal
• Facial Cupping with Arbonne facial Oil
• Jade Gua Sha on Neck and Face with Arbonne Age Defying products (Face Lift technique)
• Jade Roller on face and eyes with arbonne eye lifting product
• Advanced Restorative Cream application.

Yes, Acupuncture may be covered by your Health Insurance, and Jacqueline does work with health insurance companies to get you Reimbursed for your Acupuncture care.

Coverage varies between companies, groups and plans.
You will need to call the customer care phone number on the back of your Health Insurance Card and ask them if you have Acupuncture Coverage included in your plan.

If you do have Acupuncture coverage, you will pay the total cost for your Acupuncture treatment, up front, on the date of service. The total cost at each visit will always be $75.00. Jacqueline will then issue you an itemized statement listing her professional information along with your diagnosis and the ICD codes necessary for your insurance company.

You must send this statement in to your insurance company yourself, and they will issue you a reimbursement check by mail, for the amount of your care, for whatever percentage of each visit that they have agreed to pay you for.

If they have any questions, you can tell them that Jacqueline is a Licensed Acupuncturist in Pennsylvania, and is an Out-of-Network provider.

Your Insurance provider will be able to talk to you about whether or not you have a deductible, if your deductible for the year has been met, how many sessions they will cover, and what percentage of the total cost per session they will reimburse you for.

If you do have coverage, just bring your Health Insurance card on your first visit.

Please allow 3 to 5 business days for your itemized statement to be generated for pickup.