Common FAQ's

• wearing loose or comfortable clothing is recommended for easy access to acupuncture points, however, it is not required and will not prevent the best treatment method (s) from being rendered.
• eat something small about an hour before your visit. An especially large meal just prior or after a session isn't recommended.
• Overexertion, strenuous workouts, and/or alcohol immediately following a treatment should be avoided. Your body is processing the treatment and toxins most likely have been released. Good hydration and gentle grounding/nourishing exercise, such as walking, yin yoga , or meditation would compliment the visit.  
• Bring questions you may have to your visits. We love educating on this stuff! It just makes sense. We want you to understand how this amazing medicine "works" as well.
• You don't have to cancel social events or clear your calendar following a wellness visit. If you have plans to do something that is not stressful and brings you joy and relaxation, we always encourage that! 

YES! Extremely safe.  Acupuncture is a drug-free, natural therapy.  The needles are sterile, solid, single-use needles, that are discarded into a sharps container and no thicker than the whisker of a cat. There are no negative side effects. Infrequently, a small bruise may occur at the site of needle insertion. 

Your practitioner will do a thorough intake, considering daily habits, lifestyle, exercise, and nutrition. A detailed health history will be reviewed and a personalized care plan will be presented. Once the needles are inserted, a variety of sensations may be experienced. Patients report having a vague heaviness, tingling, or dull ache in the area of needle insertion. Most express feeling an overwhelming sense of calm and deep relaxation. You may feel immediately energized following a treatment, or it may take 30-60 minutes before perking up. Results vary person to person.  Additional Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modalities may be provided, such as moxibustion, cupping, acupuncture injection therapy (APIT), or herbal consult.

The short answer, no. Imbalance in the meridians may occur at any age. This is based on Chinese Medicine theory, environmental, emotional, and dietary factors. While it is more common for adults to seek acupuncture and TCM therapies, Dr. Kari strongly advocates for adolescents and young adults to incorporate acupuncture sooner than later. Prevention is key, and the sooner we identify  imbalance and regulate the body, the healthier our future may be. It is important to note that an individual does not have to wait to feel unwell in order to receive acupuncture. Routine monthly wellness visits, when asymptomatic, are an incredible way to further enhance a healthy lifestyle.

For most conditions, a series of several appointments is necessary to achieve maximum benefit. Acute conditions may require fewer visits, but most chronic health concerns take longer to achieve lasting results. Each individual is different. There are several factors that impact treatment frequency and the number of treatments recommended. Immediate relief can occur, but chronic conditions generally take longer to resolve. External stresses are a constant factor in today's society, therefore, monthly visits for maintenance are usually recommended. Committing to a minimum of a month with 1-2 visits a week is a good start and will provide ample information on how your body is responding to the therapies.  It is not uncommon for treatment to take months to years. Acupuncture is cumulative, and therefore, consistency is important.

While insurance coverage varies state to state,  Helena Health doesn't currently participate with insurance providers. A superbill may be provided on request for the patient to submit to their insurance themselves.

YES! ABSOLUTELY! Some may feel it is some mystical, irrelevant treatment method, but they usually haven't experienced it, or they didn't follow through with a treatment plan. Acupuncture isn't a magic pill. Chronic conditions accumulate gradually over time, therefore, they'll unravel and improve in time. That said, TCM is based on theory and teachings thousands of years old. Modern science and the support of new research has contributed to this amazing medicine receiving world wide acceptance.  Dr. Kari has witnessed first hand the beautiful blend of East Asian medicine with Western medicine within a prestigious hospital setting, and the enhanced quality of life it has brought to so many people. On a personal note, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine had such a profound effect physically and emotionally on Kari, that she pursued a second career as a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. 

National and international health organizations have recognized acupuncture to be effective in treating a wide variety of health conditions. The list is long and for more information about how acupuncture may help you, send us a message. We love to help!