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FAQ



Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Some insurance plans cover acupuncture in Georgia. We do not bill insurance directly, however we can provide you with the necessary receipt to submit for reimbursement.  Patients can usually pay for treatments through their health insurance flexible spending accounts. 

How long do the sessions take?

For your first appointment, please allow one hour for a treatment.  This ensures we have plenty of time for a thorough initial exam. Follow up treatments are typically 30 to 45 minutes. 

What kind of training does Nancy Sencil have?

Becoming an acupuncturist requires completion of a four year Masters Degree program at an accredited school for Acupuncture and Asian Medicine. This includes comprehensive training in Traditional Chinese Medical Theory as well as Western Medical Pathology and an extensive clinical internship. Graduates must then pass exams administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to become nationally certified. Georgia acupuncturists are licensed by the Georgia Composite Medical Board. In order to maintain licensure and certification, acupuncturists must complete 60 hours of continuing education every four years. 

Is there medicine on or in the needles?

No. We use only solid, sterile, single-use needles.

How does acupuncture work?

Eastern Explanation:

The Eastern Explanation for how Acupunctures works is that the vital energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced chee) can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific points on the body. These points are located along channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked.

Western Explanation:

Definition of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect.

Explanation of How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play an important role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain and arthritis and also for P.M.S. and infertility.

The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture.

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is effective for a wide variety of ailments. Please refer to our Acupuncture section under Services and scroll down for more information.

FAQ -


    500 N. Milledge Ave,                 Suite100                  
Athens, GA 30601
706-549-3176