Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.

An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. In eastern medicine, this activates the body’s energy (called Qi) and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity and physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

In western medicine, research has confirmed that acupuncture has many significant physiologic effects on the body and the nervous system.  (National Institute of Health Acupuncture Consensus statement 1997.)

Subsequent functional MRI research studies have shown that activation of acupuncture points selectively activate (and deactivate) different areas of the nervous system, resulting in various important physiologic effects. 

It has been Dr. Godar’s experience that combining both eastern and western approaches to acupuncture treatment frequently results in improved clinical effects and outcomes.

During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. In some cases Dr. Godar may analyze meridian energies by computer to supplement the traditional Chinese diagnostic methods.  This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, a treatment plan will be discussed with you and implemented, given your consent. Non-needling techniques may also be applicable.  Visits with your acupuncturist may last from forty-five to ninety minutes.

There are twelve pulse positions in traditional Chinese medicine on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking for twenty-seven individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.

The tongue is a map of the body in traditional Chinese medicine. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.

Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or tuina which can be taught to parents to do at home.  Other non-needling techniques, such as using LED laser treatments to activate acupuncture points may also be applied in some circumstances.  Non-needling Auriculotherapy techniques (treating the acupuncture areas on the external ear) can also be helpful.

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.

Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.

Rates vary and depend upon what procedures are performed. It is best to consult with your acupuncturist about costs.

Insurance coverage varies from state to state. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:

• Will my plan cover acupuncture?
• How many visits per calendar year?
• Do I need a referral?
• Do I have a co-pay?
• Do I have a deductible?
• If yes, has it been met?

Dr. Godar does not accept Insurance assignment, but treatments may be reimbursable by Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA).

It is also possible that some insurances will partially reimburse acupuncture treatments directly to patients – you will need to check with your health insurance company to see if this is the case.

Dr. Godar offers a 50% discount for active First Responders.

• Write down and bring any questions you have. We are here to help you.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
• Do not eat large meals just before or after
  your visit.
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
• Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
• Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

Today, licensed acupuncturists (L.Ac.) undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.

Medical acupuncturists are MD’s or DO’s who have undertaken additional training in acupuncture.  Most states require 300 educational credit hours for MD’s or DO’s to practice acupuncture.  To become Board Certified in Medical Acupuncture, a candidate must document appropriate training and pass a national Board exam.

(Dr. Godar has had to date greater than 900 educational credit hours, not counting additional non-credit hours of study over the years.  He is Board Certified in Medical Acupuncture.)

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat: