Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?
Everybody’s experience is different. When you have your first few treatments we will ask you for your feed back and adjust our technique to fit your individual comfort level. Treatment starts with insertion which feels like a mosquito bite and then secondly you may feel aching, radiating, tingling, or warming sensations which is a very good sign that the treatment is working. Even patients who describe themselves as “needle phobic” are often pleasantly surprised to find that the sensations are minimal and treatment itself is relaxing and enjoyable.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
A growing number of insurance companies cover acupuncture. However, their coverage varies widely: some companies put a cap on the number of treatments per year; others put a cap on the total cost per year. In some cases, insurers will specify what types of medical conditions or acupuncture procedures they will cover. We recommend that you call your insurer to learn the details of your benefits. Click the link that follows for a printable PDF page of “Questions to ask your insurance company”.

If your insurance does not pay for acupuncture treatments please do not pass up the opportunity to restore your health just because a misguided corporate insurance executive has made up a financial decision that has no consideration for your individual circumstances. If you want to feel better we recommend that you to take control of your own health and wellbeing by finding treatment that is truly effective for you.

Other options for reducing the cost of treatments include Flexible Spending Plans and Health Savings Accounts which allow one to use pre-tax dollars for acupuncture and other medical care. Ask your employer if they have a Flex Plan and find out what you need to do to participate. Health Savings Accounts are available to anyone who is enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan. Contact your health insurance company for more information about setting up a Health Savings Account.

Acupuncture treatments, herbs prescribed for treatment, and transportation costs are all tax deductible medical expenses. In order to qualify for a deduction your combined total medical and dental expenses for the year must be more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Keep track of your expenses and see your tax advisor for any additional details

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
Many of our patients have been able to avoid recommended surgeries and reduce or discontinue medications and the side effects of medications. For a list of medical conditions that we have successfully treated go to our testimonial page and click on any condition listed to read about the benefits our clients have received.

We have also been able to help patients with chronic illnesses and health concerns that have no clear origin or reliable diagnosis. Patients who are committed to a healthy lifestyle often receive ongoing acupuncture treatment for maintenance and health promotion including: reduction in colds and flues, increased vitality and stamina, and reductions in long term health care costs.

Are there different styles of acupuncture?
One reason Abundance Acupuncture is so successful is due to the style of acupuncture practiced at the clinic. Most acupuncturists in the United States use a method where needles are inserted directly into the painful area. There are several problems with this approach: the results are not as reliable, rapid, or consistent and there is additional risk of aggravating the pain.

At Abundance Acupuncture the practitioners are experts in the style of acupuncture known as “The Balance Method” or “Distal Point Acupuncture.” These techniques have results that are nothing less than miraculous. Pain relief is even faster than drug therapies and often occurs in seconds after needle insertion. In most cases these treatments go far beyond simple pain relief. A series of treatments can completely resolve many conditions.

The acupuncture points we most frequently use are located between the elbows and the fingers and between the knees and the toes. Sometimes points on the scalp and/or the outer ears are also used. This means that our patients rarely need to remove their clothes, the treatments are more comfortable, and extremely effective.

Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?
Many patients come for regular treatments to prevent illness and maintain a vital state of health throughout the year. Professional athletes use acupuncture to maximize performance and replenish their reserves after major events. Corporate executives come in for regular treatment to manage stress and increase focus and creativity.

Can acupuncture help me quit smoking or lose weight?
Yes, but with a caveat: In both cases, patients will also have to commit to making life-style changes to realize the full benefits of treatment.

Are the needles safe?
Yes. Sterile disposable needles are used once and then disposed of immediately.

How do I get the most out of each treatment?
Be sure to eat well before coming to treatment. Avoid caffeine in coffee, tea, or sodas during the day of treatment. Avoid intense physical activity after your scheduled treatment.

How long does it take to feel better?
Everyone is different. Some people take more time and some people respond quickly. This is why we start with an initial series of treatments. We want to find out what your individual response rate is so we can predict how many treatments it will take to resolve your health problems.

How much does it cost?
Most of our patients begin their acupuncture treatments with our 14 Day Initial Diagnostic Plan. This treatment package is designed to give you the best possible results for the best possible price. Starting with a detailed health history and exam, it includes a series of six treatments, and an in depth discussion of your case with our acupuncturist.

Abundance Acupuncture’s 14 Day Initial Diagnostic Plan

Initial Assessment 160 (See the opportunity for a $160 internet discount below)
This includes a thorough health history and a review of our fees & services.

Oriental Exam 160
Tongue and Pulse Exams have been called the “Chinese MRI”. They reveal the pathological imbalances which cause individual symptoms.

6 Treatments @ 80 each 480
Each treatment is based on your current state of health and your responses to previous treatments.

Total $800 (minus applicable discounts as explained below)

If you prepay for a complete plan you can receive an additional 10% Package Discount.

Included in this package at no extra charge: Patient Education to help you get the most out of your treatments, a complete Body Symptom Review, and a comprehensive discussion with our acupuncturist to address nutritional, herbal, lifestyle, and treatment recommendations.

How can I reduce the cost and save money?
As a first time patient you can click this link and receive a free initial assessment by printing the PDF sheet, filling out a one page health survey, and giving it to us before your assessment. If you encounter difficulties downloading this sheet please call our office at (920) 356-1578. We would be glad to mail you a copy. With this $160 discount and a 10% prepay discount the 14 Day Initial Plan will cost $576.00.

We accept payment through Visa, Master Card, checks, or cash.

What happens after the initial 14 day diagnostic plan?
At the end of these treatments we will sit down, review your rate of progress, and discuss what we have learned about your health. You will tell us what you want to do, and we will put together a plan that is reasonable and affordable and fits your condition. Patients who choose to continue treatment and prepay for individual treatment plans may receive the benefit of additional discounts.

What if I have severe, acute pain or have been recently injured?
In exceptional cases like this we will try to fit you into our schedule and do a first treatment as soon as possible.

Can I get a single treatment if I am from out of town and am passing through the Fall River area?
In this situation individual treatments are $80.00. If you are working with an acupuncturist in your home town an Oriental Exam may not be necessary. Call us to discuss the details.

I was an Abundance Acupuncture patient in the past. Can I return for more treatments?
Simply call us and schedule a treatment. We will make it as quick and simple as possible to for you to start feeling better again. If we have not seen you for years we may schedule a short, free consultation to discuss your current issues before the treatment begins. We are committed to helping our patients stay healthy. If you have any new or returning health issues please give us a call.

What are the goals of treatment?
Our patients are often surprised to find that the benefits of acupuncture treatments go far beyond the temporary relief of symptoms. Our goal is to make lasting improvements in the overall health and function of our patients. Again and again our patients tell us that acupuncture treatments have given them permanent relief from the suffering caused by the health problems that originally motivated them to seek our help.

Many patients also experience unexpected improvements in their health that they did not even know acupuncture would be able to help. For example, patients have been surprised to find that their excessive appetite has been reduced, their chronic constipation resolved, or that their blood pressure and cholesterol levels are lowered. Most patients feel calmer and more relaxed while also experiencing increased levels of energy. Patients often tell us that they have been able to make positive changes in their lives that they had wanted to make for years. Bill D., for example, says in his testimonial: “I have more energy, less pain, and once again am able to laugh and simply enjoy life more than I have in a long time.”

How does Acupuncture work?
The answer to this question is on the Acupuncture information page. Click the link here or click Acupuncture on the navigation bar at the top or bottom of the page.