Savannah Acupuncture Facts

During your initial consultation and exam, a full health history is taken and all your areas of concern are discussed. Questions regarding health, symptoms, diet, and lifestyle are asked. Any necessary physical exams and tests are conducted appropriately depending on your health concerns and chief complaints. This thorough discussion allows us to effectively construct a treatment plan tailored to meet your particular constitution and individual health needs. Acupuncture treatments and protocols are selected based on your individual symptoms and most importantly the underlying imbalance that causes your problem. Once the needles are inserted, you typically relax deeply for approximately 30 minutes as your energy re-balances. A majority of people feel very relaxed and more serene after the treatment.

Because of the Japanese style training, acupuncture is virtually painless. A slight pinch may be felt as the needles are inserted, but most people feel nothing at all. The actual size of the needles are no bigger than a human hair. Each needle is sterilized and used only once.

Most patients are surprised to learn the extensive use of acupuncture beyond just pain relief. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the (NIH) National Institute for Health recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems.

The following is a list of illnesses and conditions for which acupuncture has been proven to be effective. It is possible to treat these and many other conditions with acupuncture and Chinese medicine:

Addictions
Chemotherapy & Radiation Side EffectsCirculatory/Heart Disorders
Blood Pressure, Heart Problems, Circulatory Issues, Dizziness
Digestive Disorders
Gastritis, Acid Reflux, Spastic Colon, Nausea, Constipation, Diarrhea, Diverticulitis, Colitis, Indigestion, Hemorrhoids, Stomach Problems, Ulcers, Gallbladder Disorders, Gas, Bloating, Liver Problems
Endocrine Disorders
Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid, General Fatigue, Dizziness

Genital Urinary Disorders
Incontinence and Frequency, UTI, Urinary Problems, Kidney Problems, Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), Prostatitis

Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
Habitual Disturbances from Pain, Hormonal Imbalances, Anxiety, Depression

Neurological, Muscular, and Joint Disorders
Headaches, Shingles, Neuralgias, Facial Tics, Arm and Shoulder Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Arthritis, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Tennis Elbow, Tendonitis, Sports Injuries, Whiplash, Bursitis, Ankle Swelling, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, TMJ, Fibromyalgia, Foot Pain, Neck Pain and Stiffness, Back Pain, Joint Pain, Knee Pain, General Ghost Pains, Cramps, Restless Leg Syndrome

Mental/Emotional Disorders
Depression, Anxiety, Nervousness, Attention Deficit Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Respiratory Disorders
Immune System Disorders, Sinusitis, Sore throat, Common Cold, Coughs, Bronchitis, Bronchial Conditions, Asthma, Recurrent Chest Infections, Allergies, Emphysema, Hay fever.

Skin Problems
Eczema, Psoriasis, Shingles, Acne.Urinary Disorders
Incontinence and Frequency, UTI, Urinary Problems, Kidney Problems, Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), Prostatitis.
Women’s Health
Gynecological Issues, PMS, PMDD, Pregnancy Symptoms, Infertility.

CAM stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It encompasses modalities such as acupuncture, meditation, Qi gong, Tai Chi, and yoga. It also includes the use of natural products or dietary supplements such as probiotics, vitamins and minerals (beyond daily nutritional requirements), and herbal medicine.

Herbs are the original medicine of the world. Oriental medicine has used herbal formulas to address life’s health challenges for thousands of years. These time-tested herbal teas and pills gently address heath issues such as infections (such as colds and sore throat), stress, sleep disturbances, skin disorders, and health and immune boosting tonics.

There are both eastern and western medical theories to help explain why acupuncture works. Western medicine currently has several theories on the efficacy of acupuncture. In the simplest of terms, fine needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points that cause the body to release its own natural endorphins which can block pain message to the brain. In addition, the needles can also cause blood, oxygen and white blood cells to rush to the tissue facilitating healing. For thousands of years, Chinese Medicine has thought that energy or Qi travels the body thru pathways called meridians. When the flow becomes obstructed due to injury, emotional stress, life-style or personal imbalances, disease is thought to arise. Through the insertion of sterile acupuncture needles, blockages are removed which allows the energy to flow smoothly again returning balance and health to the body’s system. The proper flow of energy or Qi in the body helps to warm, nourish and invigorate cells and tissue. Acupuncture helps to stimulate the body’s own natural abilities to heal itself.

Because acupuncture is drug-free, side effects are minimal. It is important to have eaten the day of treatment and some people feel “spacey” or sleepy after treatments so plan accordingly. Please alert our practitioners if you have a pacemaker, blood clotting disorders, herb allergies, take a blood thinner or are pregnant so that the appropriate precautions are taken. Our extensive training ensures a safe and effective experience at Vitality Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in Savannah.

There are insurance plans that do cover acupuncture, it all depends on the policy. We currently bill and submit insurance claims for SCAD, Gulfstream and any insurance company where we are in network. Vitality Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine can check for acupuncture coverage prior to the first visit, please contact us and have the insurance card available. SCAD and Gulfstream are among some of the companies that currently cover acupuncture in Savannah.

The number of visits varies patient to patient and can be related to how long you have had your health problems. A treatment protocol and an estimation of duration and frequency of visits will be discussed during your initial consultation.

The initial visit is $140.00, lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes and includes a full health history consultation/intake and acupuncture treatment. Follow up visits are $78 per visit and last approximately an hour. A treatment plan and protocol will be discussed during your initial consultation. We also offer military and senior discounts.