FAQ

We are currently accepting Cigna only. As for other type of insurance, you will need to pay for your visit (out of pocket) and then we are happy to supply receipts with the appropriate codes if you wish to file your own claim to your insurance company. We have seen many Blue Cross Blue Shields insurance holders get reimbursement this way, but ultimately it would be up to the type of coverage your insurance provides. It is up to you to call your insurance company directly and inquire about your specific policy. 

We are offering special discount to those patients who are under Medicaid and Medicare. We also work with senior citizens (ages 60+) and offer special discount.

Yes. In Connecticut, personal injury protection insurance (automobile insurance) covers acupuncture treatment 100% for the driver, passenger(s), pedestrians and/or bicyclists affected by motor vehicle accident. Acupuncture is also covered by workers compensation insurance following a workplace injury.

Generally, acupuncture does not hurt. Some people feel the needles as they go in, and some people feel nothing. Some people describe the needles as producing mild pain, or a gentle throbbing or rushing. Certain points can be more sensitive than others; we try not to use the painful points if we don’t need to, though there are times when they are the most effective. Acupuncture needles are solid needles, not hollow like hypodermic needles, and they are super thin - diameter of a thick human hair. Patients often have sensations during the treatment, which is the qi (or energy) moving or the opening of a channel that has been blocked. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing.

Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.). There are typically no side effects to acupuncture, however, a patient should be forthcoming in disclosing any medical conditions, including pregnancy. Part of the beauty of acupuncture is that it encourages the body to regulate itself in a gentle way rather than forcing it. Some medications require caution, such as Coumadin, but do not prevent acupuncture treatment.

Generally, there are no side effects to treatment. As the body rebalances, most patients feel better. As a result of this rebalancing, patients may experience changes in bowel movements, urination patterns, appetite, sleep or emotional states. Also, on occasion, the original symptoms can get worse for a day or two before getting better, as a part of a healing cycle. Some people with extremely sensitive skin may get light bruising on certain spots, but it is not common and they will disappear in a few days.

Yes. We only use needles that are pre-sterilized, prepackaged, and disposable. Each needle is used once and then deposited in a biohazard container, which ensures safe disposal.

Acupuncture is effective for an incredibly wide range of conditions. You can browse through our website and feel free to contact us directly as well.

You will discuss your treatment with Dr. Han and together create a plan that balances best practices. In general, chronic, long-term conditions take longer to resolve then acute conditions that recently appeared. The recommended course of treatment is generally proportionate to the length of time you have experienced your ailment or illness. Acute conditions generally require fewer sessions than chronic illnesses. For facial rejuvenation, the recommended course of treatments is 10 sessions for best results.  With your input, the practitioner can usually gauge the total number of treatments needed to resolve your specific complaint in about 2 or 3 sessions. After that time, the practitioner can make an educated assessment and tell you what to expect in the future. When seeking acupuncture treatments, patients are advised to have sessions at least once or twice a week, in order to achieve the desired results. Protracted and complex conditions may require frequent treatments over several months or more. 

Your first appointment can last from 1 to 1.25 hours. Follow-up visits usually last 35-45 minutes.

Dress comfortably. Loose pants that roll up easily are good. Eat moderate meals before your sessions. Eating in excess or not at all can interfere with treatment. Stay away from alcohol, coffee or heavily caffeinated beverages right before your session. Please abstain from sexual activities or vigorous physical activities before and after your appointment. Plan your activities so that if you need to rest or just go slowly after treatment, you can do so. Also, be aware of your body. When you keep good mental or written notes of your responses to treatment, it’s helpful in treatment planning.  Please be on time, so that you may benefit fully. 

Recent research has shown that when an acupuncture needle is inserted into the body, specific regions of the brain are activated. This brain activation then allows regulation of other systems in the body primarily through the modulation of molecules such as neurotransmitters and hormones. Collectively, scientific research has shown that acupuncture can modulate all the primary systems in the body including the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Other research from Europe is focusing on the fascia as a means for qi to travel all over the body. The fascia of the body, which covers every muscle, bone, and organ, in other words, is everywhere in the body - all connected. This ubiquitous covering has a tiny electrical charge that is measurable by very sensitive instruments, of which the human practitioner can also be. The insertion of needles into the body changes this fascia and sends a message along the channel(or meridian) to affect an organ or more diffuse systems of the body. Some theorize that emotional memories are stored in the body, most likely the fascia. Therefore, chronic pain and poor posture often have to do with these stored emotions, such as when someone chronically hunches their shoulders to protect their heart. Acupuncture can help move this “stuckness”, which we call stagnation. The acupuncture points themselves are particular places to access a meridian and it‘s particular qualities. The points are able to be measured as places where the electrical conductivity of the skin is different than the surrounding area.

Acupuncture is compatible with other systems of health care. We are happy to work in conjunction with you and your other health care practitioners. Please inform your acupuncturist of any other treatments and medications/herbs/supplements which you are currently using so that we may integrate our efforts. Our wish is that you receive maximum benefit from all sources.