Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

• Fill-out an initial intake form – or at the very least read over it.  We often have lengthy and complicated health history. But at least visiting the questions presented within an intake form it will jog the memory.
• You will start to think about where your health is.  What parts of your health currently concern you the most?  How well is your body operating today?  What major events have influenced your health eg injuries, major illness and surgeries.  We often forget many of these as they fall into the past.
• Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
• Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.  This offers you the opportunity to settle and arrive.  It provides space to use the bathroom or have a drink of water before treatment. It also allows for some of the unpredictable events that may occur.  A buffer means you can arrive without stress.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points, plus you will want to be comfortable on the table.
• Do not eat large meals just before or after your visit.  Acupuncture works to move energy, fluids and blood around the body.  Having nutrition and energy for your body provides something to work with. It provides your body with the resources it needs to heal.
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
• Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Keep it Simple, do not schedule other therapeutic appointments on the same day. Seeing your massage therapist, acupuncturist and osteopath all in one day is to much for the body.  Your body will be unable to receive the best and clearest message from each of the interventions.  Ideally, plan a rest day between treatments of different modalities. At the very least try and keep them on separate days.
• Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.
• Don’t forget to TURN YOUR PHONE OFF so you can be fully present for this time you have set aside for your body, as well as others in the office.  Your commitment to attending your local acupuncture office.

Acupuncture Wellness Mount Airy is currently working with the Veteran Administration to care for our country’s veteran population here in Surry County and its surrounds.  Veterans must contact the VA and their VA PCP to acquire authorization for services.

AWMA is also currently taking new patients from WellCare. Please call 336-755-2158 for additional clarity for the use of WellCare in North Carolina.

Medicare participants have been told that Medicare covers acupuncture. However because acupuncturists can not become Medicare providers, the acupuncture must be performed by doctors or nurse practitioners.  Medicare also places strict guidelines for this acupuncture coverage to that only back pain with specific restrictions is covered.

Other insurance coverage varies from state to state. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:

• Will my plan cover acupuncture?
• How many visits per calendar year?
• Do I need a referral?
• Do I have a co-pay?
• Do I have a deductible?
• If yes, has it been met?

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.

Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem, and the quality and quantity of your overall blood flow and lymphatic flow. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”. 

Acupuncture generally works by stimulating the body’s innate healing responses.  The number of treatment’s for you depends on how much support the healing process needs.  Most people will progress over a few common stages of treatment.

In the RELIEF STAGE, we will primarily focus on reducing your symptoms to get you out of destress.  During this time, treatment will be close together, usually 2-4 visits per week until you start to feel better.

In the HEALING STAGE, we will begin correcting the underlying causes of your symptoms with a series of regular treatment, generally 1-2 visits per week.

Finally in the MAINTENANCE STAGE, we will keep you tuned up, take care of smaller problems before they grow, and generally provide you with support for the everyday stresses of Life.   This may be 2-4 visits per month, or just as needed.