Question 1

What is East Asian Medicine?

Accepted Answer

East Asian Medicine is a complete healing system rooted in traditions from China, Japan, and Korea. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, qigong, cupping, gua sha, and dietary therapy. The framework recognizes the body's innate wisdom and treats imbalances rather than chasing isolated symptoms.

Question 2

How does acupuncture actually work?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture stimulates specific points along the body, opening neural pathways, releasing endorphins, and signaling the nervous system to recalibrate. From an East Asian Medicine perspective, the same points balance the flow of qi along meridians. Both lenses point to the same outcome — the body returns to a more regulated, resilient state.

Question 3

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a licensed practitioner. Acupuncture is one of the safer, more effective tools during pregnancy for nausea, sleep, anxiety, back and pelvic pain, breech positioning at 32 weeks, and labor preparation. Specific points are avoided in pregnancy — your acupuncturist will know which.

Question 4

How many treatments will I need?

Accepted Answer

Acute issues can resolve in a few sessions. Chronic concerns and fertility, pregnancy, and perimenopause work tend to be longer arcs — acupuncture has a cumulative effect and most patients work with Nina over months, not single visits. We set realistic expectations at your first appointment.

Question 5

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

JungWay is an out-of-network provider. Many patients use HSA or FSA funds — worth checking your year-end deadlines. Superbills are available on request for potential reimbursement.

Question 6

What's the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?

Accepted Answer

Different traditions, different goals. Licensed acupuncturists train for years in East Asian Medicine, treating the whole system. Dry needling, performed by some chiropractors and physical therapists, focuses narrowly on musculoskeletal pain. Both can have a role; they're not interchangeable.

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