Common Questions

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one modality of treatment within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and was described in The Nei Jing, dating back to around 300 B.C.  Chinese medicine has gone through an extensive modernization process throughout the centuries which has led to better patient outcomes and more integrative and complementary care for patients.  Acupuncture uses extremely thin, filamented, single use sterile needles.  These needles are used to promote proper circulation of qi and blood in the body in order to promote your body’s natural healing response and support normal functioning of your body’s systems. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine views an individual without pain or illness as balanced and healthy- when symptoms occur, that is a sign of disharmony. TCM aims to balance the body’s qi, blood and organ systems to reduce symptoms and to heal illness. Once the patient’s pattern has been identified, a treatment plan can be created to bring the patient closer to a balanced state.  This can be achieved through acupuncture, tui na (chinese medical massage), qigong (therapeutic exercise), cupping, moxibustion (the use of burned mugwort), dietary changes and herbal medicine. 

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture has been found from a biomedical perspective to produce neurotransmitters, endorphins, and other biochemical compounds to decrease pain and inflammation, balance hormones, disrupt and modulate the stress response and balance digestion. Acupuncture is a natural way to shift your body’s nervous system from a “fight or flight” state to a “rest and digest” state where healing can occur so that your body can repair and restore itself.   Studies have found that Acupuncture down-regulates the amygdala which is a fancy way of saying that it reduces activity in the 'fear center' of the brain.  Acupuncture points are precise anatomical locations which have higher concentrations of superficial nerve endings and blood vessels that can send signals to the brain and organs (viscera) when stimulated along trains of fascia (connective tissue) which correspond to traditional channels.

How does acupuncture help with stress relief?

Acupuncture works naturally to help with stress relief in a number of ways. As discussed above, acupuncture down-regulates the amygdala (your brain’s fear center) in order to shift your nervous system into a “rest and digest” state which brings a deep sense of calm, improved sleep, mental clarity and improved resilience to life’s stressors. I’ve worked with patients who experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, PTSD, burnout, digestive and hormonal imbalances and many other health conditions. Treatments give you the opportunity to slow down, be more centered, and recover. Stress is seemingly universal in our current society and everyone presents differently. I can provide personalized support to bring awareness to how your body responds to stress, what symptoms arise and what the root causes are behind those symptoms. 

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is safe when practiced by a licensed acupuncturist. I'm a nationally accredited Diplomate of Acupuncture through the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), certified in Clean Needle Technique through the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) and licensed in the State of New York. My rigorous 4 year Masters Degree program at the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture emphasized biomedical courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Nutrition, and more. There I gained 3,000+ hours of didactic and hands-on clinical experience treating an array of medical conditions across community, outpatient, and hospital settings. My education attests to her diligence, integrity, and dedication to providing safe clinical care.  After completing my rigorous studies and passing my board exams, I have continued my education in endocrinology, fertility, pregnancy, labor and postpartum as well as cosmetic concerns and even rare conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Rest assured, I'm always learning and improving in order to provide the highest quality of care for my patients and remain current on the best treatment strategies.

What if I am scared of needles?

First, know that this is common and completely understandable. Thankfully Acupuncture needles are drastically different from the hypodermic needles used to give shots—which is what most people picture when they think of Acupuncture. For starters, Acupuncture needles are filiform (not hollow), flexible, and extremely thin—just wider than a strand of hair. They are also rounded at the end which makes them nearly sensation-free when placed. Acupuncture should always be painless, especially when working with a skilled practitioner. I have trained for years in order to provide you with safe and gentle care. If you still have concerns, I will be happy to guide you through your treatment to ease your mind and ensure your comfort.

How many treatments will I need?

When creating a foundation for successful outcomes, I consider the severity of your condition, how long you have had it, your follow-through on recommendations offered, as well as the consistency of your care. 

Treatment frequency is an essential component for successful outcomes because Acupuncture works cumulatively. Treatments and any effects need time to build on one another to become long-lasting—like learning a new skill or starting an exercise program. The more chronic the condition, the more care that is likely needed to improve your health. 

If you are looking to “try” Acupuncture, keep in mind that it often takes more than 1-2 treatments to start noticing results. If you are looking to create a foundation for wellness that goes beyond band-aid symptom support and instead allows for sustainable relief, Osgood Family Acupuncture, PLLC would be a good fit for you. 

In general for acute conditions, it takes a minimum of 6-8 sessions to start seeing improvements with change. For many clients, results can become apparent after the first or second treatment, however, in order for those to last, following through with the course of your recommended treatment plan is required  to accumulate progress that holds. For more chronic and severe conditions, a minimum of 8-10 treatments is typically needed. Melody Osgood will collaborate with you on a treatment plan that is personalized to your needs to give you the most effective care in the most efficient time frame possible.

Do you take insurance?

Osgood Family Acupuncture, PLLC is out-of-network, meaning I do not accept insurance. I intentionally operate independently for the following reasons:

• By not taking insurance, I’m able to provide higher-quality, truly personalized, and patient-centered care. I work for my patients, not insurance. 
• Being out-of-network allows me to offer the range of services and in-depth care I do without being limited to only what insurance would cover. Many insurances dictate the kind of care you can receive as well as the way that care is delivered.
• I can keep costs lower for you by not needing to hire a third-party to take on the administrative work required to file claims.
• If you have insurance that covers our services, I will be happy to provide you with receipts that you can submit for reimbursement.

Do you take HSA/FSA cards?

Yes! I accept HSA and FSA cards issued by your insurance.  Acupuncture and Doula services are healthcare services and as such are eligible expenses under your health plan. 

Do you have questions not answered here?