FAQ

 

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

Most people require a minimum of 6-8 weekly treatments for acute conditions, or 3 months of weekly treatments for chronic conditions. For all OBGYN concerns, I recommend weekly sessions for 3 months, since our fertility and menstrual cycles reflects our health across the past 90 days. It also takes 90 days to create a new habit, so this is the ideal timeframe for mental health, life transitions, or spiritual concerns.

Do you take insurance?

Dr. Margarita is an out-of-network provider, and is not participating in any insurance policies, insurance billing, or discount programs. We are happy to provide “superbills”, however there are limitations which we are transparent about and can discuss at your first session. All payment is due at the time of session regardless of reimbursement status.

What kind of conditions does acupuncture treat?

Chinese Medicine (which includes Acupuncture, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, Tui Na, and more) is a full-scope medical tradition that can be used to treat most internal or external conditions. This includes:

  • Acute or chronic pain or injury in any area of the body

  • Mental health (anxiety, depression, BPD, PMDD, OCD, Bipolar)

  • Gastrointestinal issues (IBS, constipation, diarrhea, Crohn’s, colitis, acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)

  • Sleep issues (insomnia, chronic fatigue, vivid dreaming, nightmares)

  • OBGYN (fertility, menopause, painful periods, absent periods, PCOS, endometriosis, cysts, fibroids, polyps, pregnancy and postpartum)

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Allergies and respiratory issues (asthma, food and seasonal allergies, cough, congestion)

  • HEENT (disorders of the head, ears, eyes, nose, throat including dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, floaters)

  • Cardiology (hypertension, palpitations, SOB, chest pain)

  • COVID (acute, chronic, or long-haul cases)

  • Dermatology (cystic acne, psoriasis, eczema, scarring)

  • Circulation (venous insufficiency, varicose veins, phlebitis)

  • Edema (bloating, lymphedema, swelling)

  • Immunity (autoimmune disorders like Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, acute or chronic colds and flus)

  • Neurology (stroke, sequelae of brain injury)

  • Oncology Care + life transitions

  • Focus and memory (brain fog, memory loss, ADHD)

  • Hair (alopecia, hair thinning, hormonal hair loss)

  • Hormonal balance (hot flashes, temperature regulation, high androgens, reproductive endocrinology)

  • And so much more!

What will I feel after my first session?

After your first session, you may feel calm, energized, self-aware, and at-ease in your body. You may feel a noticeable relief of physical pain, and increased emotional well-being. It is common to feel a decrease in stress and anxiety, with enhanced focus, creativity, and productivity.

How does acupuncture work?

From a Western perspective, acupuncture reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, and activates the body’s natural endorphins and opioids (increased serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and enkephalins) to bring your body from a sympathetic (“fight or flight”) to a parasympathetic (“rest or digest”) state. This naturally improves sleep, digestion, and chronic pain almost immediately. It also lowers cortisol levels to reduce stress and relieve anxiety and depression. By acting on the body’s interwoven fascial system, a unique cascade of neural synapses takes place that allows optimal conditions for the body to heal itself.

From an Eastern perspective, we are balancing a nuanced meridian system that conducts Qi and blood flow in the body. We help to build Qi and blood where it is weakened, and move Qi and blood where it is stagnant. We work with the 12 main meridians, the Luo network (where your body stores latent pathogens or traumas until you are ready to release them), and the 8 extraordinary meridians (responsible for our “blueprint” upon conception, our ancestry, our ability to actualize our destiny, and our unique cellular coding that informs the way we view ourselves and the world). Dr. Margarita is also trained in Esoteric Acupuncture, which uses sacred geometry to activate spiritual awakening.

Does acupuncture hurt?

You will feel sensations during acupuncture, and that’s how we know it’s working. Positive sensations include: heaviness, tingling, movement, and warmth. You may feel like you are both sinking and floating at the same time — more aware of your body while also deeply at peace. Once the needles are in, you will likely fall into a deeply meditative state. If you are coming in for orthopedics or pain issues, we may offer Trigger Point with your consent which may feel more active than a typical treatment.