General Acupuncture Queries
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
A lot of people think acupuncture treatments are similar to getting a vaccination over and over again. This is not true at all! Acupuncture needles are solid, not hollow like the ones you are used to, and some of them are as fine as the thickness of a human hair. I pride myself on using only top-quality needles for my patients, which allows the needles to be inserted gently and painlessly. The sensation is similar to having your eyebrows plucked or being bit by a tiny mosquito.
What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?
Short answer? So many things. Acupuncture generally has a reputation for resolving pain and inflammation. However, patients also find acupuncture effective for a wide range of disorders such as digestive issues, allergies, fertility, headaches, stress, digestive disorders and hypertension, and TMJ.
What Can I Expect From An Acupuncture Treatment?
Most treatments begin with a talk about your health and what is on your mind in terms of diet and exercise that week. If you are expecting a rushed 10-minute distracted exchange and a prescription, I recommend you find a different provider. I am designing a treatment as unique as you are, so the more information the better. The treatment itself takes about 35 minutes. Most people feel rested and relaxed after their visits. For more information on what to expect from your first visit, click here.
How Should I Prepare For An Acupuncture Treatment?
Remember to wear comfortable clothes to your visit so that you are able to relax. Avoid arriving to the treatment on an empty stomach, as you could feel weak and light-headed. Make time for yourself! Don't wedge an effective restorative treatment amidst the chaos of modern life.
What's The Benefit Of Acupuncture?
Throughout the centuries, acupuncture has proven to deliver a better quality of life, stress reduction, as well as faster healing times from injuries. All these elements enable patients to lead healthier, longer, happier, pain-free lives without medications and western interventions.
How Often Do I Need To Have Acupuncture?
This all depends on why you are visiting, what your goals are, and your current health condition. For conditions that you have had for a longer period of time, a longer course of treatment is recommended.
Most of our patients see us weekly; however, each case is unique. Your practitioner will craft a clear treatment plan for you and will tell you how often you should be coming in for treatments. Everyone responds differently to treatment so your results will depend on your particular situation. Your practitioner will be able to guide you on the results you can expect. Often, patients will notice relief from a specific symptom straight away, though we may need more time to work on the underlying root of the issue.
What If I Am Afraid Of Needles? What Are My Treatment Options?
It’s important to remember that acupuncture needles are MUCH thinner than those used in western medicine for shots/vaccines. In fact approximately 40 acupuncture needles can fit on the top of an 18 gauge hypodermic needle.
If you are still concerned, acupuncture is only one spoke on the umbrella of Chinese Medicine. Tuina (Chinese massage), moxibustion, cupping as well as herbal apothecary are all modalities that are equally effective for patients who would rather avoid needles.
How Do Chinese Formulas Work?
Chinese formulas are a great partnership to an acupuncture session, and can enhance the positive effects of the treatment.
Mighty River Wellness Specific
Do You Accept Insurance?
We are happy to offer a Superbill for your visits. This is an invoice of services rendered so that you can submit it to your insurance company for direct reimbursement. It is always recommended that you check with your insurance company to know the terms of your insurance policy.
Can I Do My Initial Consultation In Person Or Virtually?
Our new patient initial consultations are done in person prior to your first acupuncture treatment. We prefer the personal touch this in-person experience adds and this will allow us to begin needling the same day. Click HERE to schedule your initial consultation, and your first in-clinic treatment.
Can I Schedule A Consultation Only?
We do offer virtual consultations, with no acupuncture treatment. These are an opportunity to speak with one of our practitioners to go over your health history and they can prescribe you an herbal formula as well as offer any dietary/lifestyle advice they may have.
What Safety Measures Are You Taking At This Time?
At Mighty River Wellness, we have given the health of you and our staff a lot of thought, and are committed to keeping our clinic open safely. Masks are required when you come in-person to our office. If you don't have one, one will be given to you. If you feel symptomatic or have been in contact with someone who tested positive, we ask you to please reschedule your appointment. We understand everyone has different comfort levels, so we will continue to offer virtual herbal and wellness consultations, as well as seeing patients in-person. In order to remain open safely, we have created new policies and procedures both for our clinical team and our patients, which you can read about HERE.
Can I Work With Both You And A Primary Care Physician?
Absolutely! The MRW team works collaboratively, so any other practitioners you see will have access to your chart and will be fully informed about your case, enabling them to provide you with continuity of care.
How Do I Cancel Or Reschedule My Treatment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do this through your account in our scheduling portal. If you are canceling within 24 hours please let our office know as soon as you can by phone or by emailing admin@mightyriverwellness.com. We do have a 24-hour cancellation policy, so appointments altered within 24 hours of the scheduled treatment time will result in a fee.
Should I Bring Anything With Me?
You do not need to bring anything with you! You can wear whatever you would like but we recommend you dress comfortably. Depending on the treatment plan, your acupuncturist may ask you to take off an item of clothing to better access the acupressure area. If this is the case, they will let you do so privately and will provide you with an appropriate way to cover up
How Early Should I Arrive?
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. Due to Covid-19, we are using our outdoor waiting area, instead of our indoor. Give us a call when you arrive and our acupuncturist will greet you in the backyard when your treatment room is ready.
Parking Options Upon Arrival
Our office is located at 4315 1/2 Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA 91505. Your GPS will best recognize 4315 Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA 91505 - we are the building on the alley side- backside of Hank's Bagels. We share a parking lot with Hank's Bagels, please park in the spaces labeled MIGHTY RIVER WELLNESS. Please do not park in the Hanks bagels parking spaces. You will get towed. The parking lot is located through the alley, and the entrance is through the center gate. It is unlocked- no need to ring the call box. Our parking lot is adjacent to the Tocaya restaurant. If there are orange cones in the spaces, you can move them to park.