THEORY:What is East Asian Medicine?
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Traditional East Asian medicine goes back thousands of years and focuses on bringing the body back into balance. Rather than aiming merely to relieve symptoms, East Asian medicine sees “becoming healthy” as returning the body and mind to a balanced state. Thus, as an East Asian medical practitioner, in addition to relieving you of your symptoms (the “branch,” such as a sore back or headache), my goal is also to identify the fundamental cause of those symptoms (the “root”, such as an underlying organ deficiency). The treatment of both is critical in bringing one’s body back to a balanced, healthy, symptom-free state.
qi [pronounced chē]: the energetic result of the interplay of yin (cool, calm, deep) and yang (hot, energetic, superficial). The body is animated by qi, which is found in everything from the air we breathe down to the bones which make up our most internal, most solid structure. |
METHOD:An East Asian Medical Treatment
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East Asian medicine relies on many different methods of connecting with the energy of qi in order to supplement or remove blockages. The first step is to assess the body to determine how and where the condition is manifesting. I may use any number of tools including needles, Chinese massage (tui na), cupping, moxibustion, etc., depending on the circumstances, in order to unblock the qi and allow it to flow freely which will relieve the pain.
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RESULT:Efficiacy and Clinical Research
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In 2003 the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report listing the diseases and conditions which clinical research has shown to be successfully treated with acupuncture.
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What to Expect
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Preparation:
Assessment: There are various questions I will ask which, to the uninitiated, seem a bit odd. For East Asian medical practitioners, the answers are vital to fully understanding a patient’s health. I will ask about these areas in addition to those directly related to your main concern. Feedback: Please ask me questions and make your needs known. It is most important that you feel comfortable and relaxed before, during, and after your treatment session. The moment you think of something during the treatment please tell or ask me. |
Logistics
Intake: Once you set up your first visit via the online scheduling system, you will be sent a link to complete the appropriate form(s) prior to your visit. If you are unable to access the online forms, or if you do not receive the link after signing up for your first visit, please contact Greg to either have the link resent or make arrangements to arrive 5-10 minutes early to complete once you arrive.
Duration: You can expect to be in an East Asian medical treatment for up to 75 minutes for a first visit and between 30-45 minutes for follow-up visits.
Follow-Up/After Treatment: The effects of a treatment will last some time after you leave the clinic, even if you do nothing but go about your regular routine. To supplement the effects, however, you might receive advice or exercises to complete between sessions. As your treatment plan will be in the context of East Asian medicine, you may receive advice you’ve never gotten from your other healthcare providers, possibly including qigong movement exercises, Chinese nutritional advice (e.g., eat warm, cooked foods), and you might even be prescribed a Chinese herbal formula. Following suggestions for physical movement, herbal treatments, or other advice can help to consolidate the original treatment and make it more effective. We will discuss all of this at the end of your treatment, including how often you should come back for additional treatments, if necessary.
Duration: You can expect to be in an East Asian medical treatment for up to 75 minutes for a first visit and between 30-45 minutes for follow-up visits.
Follow-Up/After Treatment: The effects of a treatment will last some time after you leave the clinic, even if you do nothing but go about your regular routine. To supplement the effects, however, you might receive advice or exercises to complete between sessions. As your treatment plan will be in the context of East Asian medicine, you may receive advice you’ve never gotten from your other healthcare providers, possibly including qigong movement exercises, Chinese nutritional advice (e.g., eat warm, cooked foods), and you might even be prescribed a Chinese herbal formula. Following suggestions for physical movement, herbal treatments, or other advice can help to consolidate the original treatment and make it more effective. We will discuss all of this at the end of your treatment, including how often you should come back for additional treatments, if necessary.
Rates
Payment at time of service rates (after-service invoiced rates available on request)
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Standard Double Set Needles (Up to 60 min)
$100 Triple Set Needles $135 Herbal Consult (20-30 min; herbs at additional cost) $50 Cupping (add-on to any acupuncture session) $40 |
Double Set Needles + 15 Min Massage (60-75 min)
$140 First Visit or Reassessment of New Condition (Standard Double Set Needles; 75-90 min) $150 Constitutional Facial Acupuncture
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FAQ & Insurance
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What is an acupuncture set?
A "set" denotes the groups of needles used and associated time applied during a treatment session. The most common type of treatment consists of two sets (e.g., a front and back treatment). Offering a "single set" treatment provides the option of a shorter treatment for those clients looking for an abbreviated yet effective session. What should I know about acupuncture and insurance?
In order to provide the most effective care, I frequently use a combination of acupuncture, manual or massage therapy, and heat therapy in a single session. I bill for each of these treatments accordingly. While all of these modalities are within the scope of an acupuncturist's practice, some insurance companies combine the latter modalities (manual therapy, massage therapy, or heat therapy) with physical or massage therapy benefits and thus those benefits might be affected. For example, if you receive 12 "acupuncture" visits and 60 "rehabilitation" visits per year, in one acupuncture visit, if massage and acupuncture are combined, your insurance plan may deduct from both your acupuncture as well as rehabilitation benefits, resulting in 11 and 59 remaining, respectively. It is very important for you to fully understand your specific insurance plan so you know what to expect after a session. Please use me as a resource if you have any questions before or after you speak with your insurance representative so you can make an informed decision about how to best utilize your benefits. How do I verify if my insurance will cover this?
When speaking with my insurance, what questions should I ask?
DOes Foster Wellness file the insurance claim?
As a courtesy, Foster Wellness will file your claim with your primary carrier, and with your primary insurance ONLY. Foster Wellness will NOT file with any secondary insurer. Please plan accordingly. |
Which insurance providers are accepted?
When should I contact my insurance provider?
It is important to contact your insurance provider prior to treatment to confirm your acupuncture and/or massage benefits as well as to determine if a prescription is required for either. What happens if my claim is denied by insurance?
It's important to note that you are responsible for any fees denied by your carrier. What's your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify me as soon as possible via email, text or voicemail, all of which are available 24 hours a day. Changes made to your scheduled appointment less than 24 hours in advance may incur a cancellation fee of $50. Insurance providers will not pay this fee on your behalf. |
What Our Clients Say
"I was involved in a MVA stopped at a red light and a car rear ended me and I incurred a complex back injury. I had some previous back issues but had gotten them under control and could do physical activities like skiing, tennis, golf. Greg has been helping me get my neck and back in order and he coordinates with my PT and MD. He has many certifications that reflect his knowledge of the human body - fascinating to talk to. He is a very kind patient focused clinician and he knows the muscles, ligaments,bones like a encyclopedia. I would recommend Greg for any kind of injury where MT is beneficial. Along the way you will gain knowledge and relief and maybe start something new. For me it's a increased awareness of how to manage and take care of my back."
- GA
- GA