General

• How long will it take to get better? 
  Most patients notice some improvement with 1-3 treatments.  Total recovery depends on the nature of the disorder and the vitality of the patient. Herbal formulas and nutritional modifications may be combined with acupuncture treatments to accelerate the healing process.
• How long is an appointment? 
  The first appointment is 1 ½  to 2 hours.  Continuing appointments are 1 hour.
• What happens during the appointment? 
  The physician will spend 15 to 30 minutes assessing the status of the patient’s condition.  Diagnostic testing such as a pulse assessment and physical exam are included in the initial stage of the appointment.  Treatments usually begin with a discussion of what the treatment will include.  The treatment usually includes acupuncture, heat therapies, application of herbal liniments to affected areas, some massage, and therapeutic exercise training if applicable.
• What forms of payment are accepted? 
  Julien Wellness accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.  We also accept major PPO insurance plans that include acupuncture services including Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, United Healthcare, Cigna and Aetna.  Cypress Acupuncture does bill insurance on behalf of the patient.

Acupuncture

• Does it hurt? 
  Patients feel a mild, dull sensation at the site of each needle or they won’t feel the needle at all.  Some patients report feeling pleasant tingling or warming sensations on the body during the treatment.  There may be some discomfort momentarily when the needle is inserted.  We always ensure that the patient is comfortable during their treatment.
• How does it work?
  Acupuncture releases endorphins and enkephalins, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine reducing pain and balancing the immune system.  It also facilitates healing by reestablishing electrical conductivity between normal and injured tissues.  Acupuncture regulates blood components including triglycerides, cholesterol and lipids.
• Is it safe? 
  Yes, acupuncture is safe.  Licensed acupuncturists adhere to strict cleanliness standards from the Center for Disease Control and are trained and licensed in needle technique. Needles are sealed in sterile packaging and only used once.  Used needles are disposed of safely in a biohazard container.
• What if I’m afraid of needles?
  Most people are afraid of needles.  After an introductory discussion about acupuncture needles patients almost always feel relaxed and are no longer concerned with acupuncture needles.

Herbs

• Why use them?
  Herbal formulas accelerate the healing process.  Herbs are powerful medicine especially when combined into formulas specifically designed for the patient’s constitution and their symptoms.
• Do they taste bad?
  Julien Wellness prescribes encapsulated formulas to most patients, so taste is usually a non-issue.
• Do they work?
  Yes, they work very well. Herbal formulas are the most powerful tool that an acupuncturist has.  Like acupuncture, herbal formulas have been used for thousands of years to reduce symptoms and, in many cases, cure very difficult diseases. As a matter of fact, many modern pharmaceuticals are derived from herbs.
• Are herbs safe?
  Yes, herbal formulas are safe when prescribed by a trained herbalist. Individual herbs are combined into formulas to customize the effect in accordance with the disease – and always taking into account the patient’s constitution and the elimination of negative side effects. Julien Wellness provides only the highest quality herbs regulated by U.S. manufacturing standards.