Frequently asked questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Typically, no. Acupuncture needles are thin & about the width of a human hair. Patients sometimes experience a slight sensation when the needle is being inserted, but usually people experience a sensation of warmth or gentle tingling when needles are inserted. If any sensation feels uncomfortable let your acupuncturist know. Each patient has an indiviadual experience and some have more sensation than others which is normal.
How does it work?
According to Chinese medical theory, acupuncture promotes healthy circulation of blood and qi because, “Where there is free flow there is no pain, where there is pain there is no free flow.” The scientific evidence base for acupuncture’s effectiveness continues to grow. It is clear that for pain conditions such a chronic low back pain, acupuncture treatment is both beneficial and safe. How many treatments needed to treat a condition vary with the individual and whether it is a chronic or acute condition.
Do you take insurance?
Currently, I do not accept insurance and are not a medicare provider. Please check your individual policy, including a secondary insurance, and if they pay for acupuncture then a super bill will be provided for you to file a claim for reimbursement.
What payment do you accept?
Check or cash are preferred but, for your convience I accept all major credit cards. Also accepted are FSA/HSA spending accounts.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
- Your sppointment time slot is reserved for you but should you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please notify the office 48 hours before the appointment by calling 727-871-0928.
- Cancellation policy is as follows:there is a $50.00 fee for any appointment canceled with less than 24 hours notice and full treatment fee is due if canceled with less than 6 hours notice.
- We all have emergencies and those will be considered before any fee is assigned.
What can I expect during a treatment?
A diagnosis is done by assessing tongue, pulse, and determining what is producing your chief complaint. The actual treatment consists of acupuncture and the possibility of additional therapies like cupping, gua sha (scraping), or if a herbal formula is needed to increase your healing. A holistic approach to your well being may include nutritional recommendations and ways to decrease stress and improve sleep.
When should I see results?
Results can happen with the first treatment lasting a few hours to a couple of days. As you continue your recommended treatment plan the results should last longer as the recurrance of your chief complaint decreases. Outcomes are individual with acute issues requiring less treatment and chronic conditions requiring several more treatments for desired results.
How can I get the most benefit from my sessions?
The positive effects of acupuncture begin at your first visit and are sometimes temporary, with initial improvements lasting hours to a few days. As you advance through a course of acupuncture therapy, the amount of symptom relief and increased wellness following each session will become more noticeable. Eventually, with the process of healing the changes become more permanent. With this medicine, as with other healing modualities, time and frequency are important. Being committed and consistent with the recommended treatments help to build momentum and retain the healing from each visit.
How old is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese medicine has a rich & extensive history. It is over 3000 years old and through centuries it has evolved in its complexity as it adapted to the growth of Chinese civilization. Today, Chinese medicine blends time-tested techniques with modern science from the classroom & the clinic. It encompasses several modualities including acupuncture, tui na (medical massage), herbal formulas, moxibustion, cupping, and gua sha. It is a holistic medicine focusing on the whole person not just body parts. Chinese medicine looks at patterns in the individual to determine what is out of balance and seeks to not just relieve symptoms but restore balance, heal the root cause, & improve overall wellness.
What training is required to become an acupuncturist?
The requirements to become a licensed acupuncturist in the State of Florida include a 5 acedemic year post-graduate study at a school that is recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Education consists of over 3000 hours of class room work and training. Dr. Rinehart attended East West College of Natural Medicine which teaches Chinese herbology, western studies including pharmacology and anatomy as well as acupuncture, homeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine. She was guided by expert acupuncturist physicians and treated over 900 patients in the clinic, internships, and community health fairs. Other requirements include, a 60 hour (AIT) acupoint injection therapy certification, and 4 board certifications including biomedicine, acupuncture point exam, Chinese medicine theory, and Chinese herbal medicine.