Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the traditional theory behind acupuncture?
The meridian network is like a road map superimposed over the body with highways, secondary roads, on and off ramps, etc running throughout the body. One could also think of it in terms of an energetic irrigation system carrying “Qi” (pronounced “chee”, meaning “vital energy”) to nourish all areas of the body. The smooth flow of Qi is essential for good health and for healing. When the flow of Qi becomes obstructed, like a kink in the garden hose, symptoms can occur. Restoring the flow of Qi through the meridians using acupuncture helps bring the body back into balance and facilitates the natural healing process.
Q. What Is Functional Medicine?
It is the use of deep investigative labs that look for the root causes of disease. Patients are then treated with targeted supplementation, detoxes, and coaching to achieve health independence.
We test for ROOT causes such as: Inflammation, Food Intolerances, Nutritional Deficiencies, Hormones, Adrenal Function, Leaky Gut, Parasites, Heavy Metals, and much more.
Q. How does Root Healing take care of cancer patients?
Root Healing Wellness is proud to be affiliated with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. We are also proud to have conducted research with the University of South Florida on Chemo Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.
We use various techniques including acupuncture to help patients with their cancer symptoms. To learn more about how Root Healing Wellness helps with cancer symptoms, please click the button below.
Q. What is the scientific basis for acupuncture?
Scientific research is attempting to understand the mechanism of acupuncture. At this point researchers are able to measure activity in specific various body systems when an acupuncture needle is inserted: 1) increase in peripheral blood flow, 2) increase in the neural pain threshold, 3) release of neurochemicals similar to endorphins, 4) increase in T cells and other immune constituents, 5) increased activity at nerve “gates”. Thermal PET scans also show activity in the regions of the brain responsible for “pain” messages. However, the logic of the meridian network continues to elude scientific observation.
Q. Does acupuncture hurt?
Many people are surprised how pleasant an acupuncture session feels. In fact, most people fall asleep and wake up refreshed. There are a variety of sensations that you can feel during a session. Your acupuncture physician will discuss them with you so that you are comfortable with the process.
Q. What about the herbs or supplements you may be recommending?
Chinese herbs combine synergistically with acupuncture and have been safely used for over 5000 years to accelerate the healing process. The companies we use offer the highest quality ingredients and products are subject to stringent testing and are FDA and GMP compliant. Like acupuncture, herbs work best when taken consistently at the recommended dose. Any recommended dietary supplements are based on modern research and we stock only the highest quality brands. You may also find other brands elsewhere and are free to purchase your herbs and supplements wherever you choose.
Q. What is acute care?
Most patients seek therapy because they are in enough discomfort to do something about it. We cluster visits close together during this acute phase to reduce the level of symptoms as quickly as possible.
Q. What is corrective care?
Once we have brought the level of discomfort down, we begin to lengthen the interval of time between visits. Continuing care through this phase allows the healing process to occur and helps the body to consolidate the positive effects of the acupuncture so that backsliding does not occur. During this phase it is common to want to “test it out” or overdo because of the relative absence of discomfort. However, it is important to remember that although the pain is lessened, the healing process is still unfolding and the body is vulnerable to re-injury or re-aggravation of symptoms
Q. How should I schedule my appointments?
If there is a time of day that works best for your appointments, we encourage you to schedule several visits in advance to hold your ideal appointment times. If you need to cancel an appointment, please give advance notice so that we may give that time to other patients. We ask that you reschedule promptly so that a long absence does not interrupt the rhythm of your care.
Q. What is wellness care?
Many patients find it helpful to come in for a “tune-up” session every so often as we can often identify and treat imbalances in meridian flow before they become problematic. Patients with chronic conditions or symptoms that tend to recur may also require an ongoing maintenance interval. This can vary from weekly to monthly visits.
Q. Do you have any recommendations for before and after my visits?
You should arrive 15 minutes early for your first visit to fill out an initial intake form like any other medical practitioner’s office. During the initial exam, a full health history will be taken and various diagnostic procedures will be performed before any therapy is done. The initial appointment could last up to 90 minutes with follow up exams lasting up to an hour. We suggest having a meal within a couple of hours before your visits, or at least a snack on the way to the clinic. Additionally, we suggest refraining from intense physical activity, sex, alcohol or caffeine for 4 hours after each visit. You may prefer to bring shorts or wear loose pants that come above your knees comfortably, as this style of acupuncture tends to utilize points on the hands/forearms/elbows and feet/lower legs/knees.
Q. What Medical Conditions Can Benefit from Functional Medicine?
If you suffer from a chronic illness, low vitality, or are just interested in staying as youthful and functional for as long as possible, then you owe it to yourself to give us a call and see how functional medicine may be able to help you.
Q. How Does Functional Medicine Differ From Conventional Medicine?
Conventional medicine focuses on the symptoms of a disease and uses pharmaceutical drugs and/or surgery to suppress them. Functional medicine, on the other hand, works with the person as a whole and recognizes the interrelationships between nutrition, the environment, and naturally occurring chemical processes in the body. Functional medicine can optimize your body to function at its best.
Q. Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
We can check your insurance policy to see if acupuncture is covered. If it is covered, we can tell you your insurance benefits.
“Root Healing Wellness is between Clearwater and Palm Harbor. We focus on the healing modalities of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), medical yoga, and meditation. Please contact us for more information.”