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What’s the difference between acupuncture and acupressure?
Is having an acupressure session like getting a massage?
Do you offer in-person acupressure sessions?
How can acupressure be done virtually? What does a typical virtual acupressure session look like?
Will we be talking during the session?
Is there any research on the effectiveness of acupressure?
How long is each acupressure session?
How many acupressure sessions will I need?
Does health insurance pay for acupressure services?
Can I use HSA or FSA funds to pay for acupressure?
1.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is a component of Chinese medicine that helps balance the physiological energy in the body to promote the body’s self-healing capabilities and improve physical or emotional symptoms. This is done by applying pressure to stimulate specific points on the body (known as acupoints) using the fingers or a device.
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2.
What’s the difference between acupuncture and acupressure?
Both methods use the same theory and the same acupoints on the body. Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate the points. Acupressure does not.
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3.
Is having an acupressure session like getting a massage?
No. While some types of massage (e.g., shiatsu) incorporate acupressure points into the massage experience, acupressure itself is not massage.
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4.
Do you offer in-person acupressure sessions?
While many sessions take place virtually using video conference, in-person sessions are available and take place in your home or at another site of your choice. Depending on your location, additional travel fees may apply and would be discussed before scheduling.
If you’d like an in-person acupressure session, please either email christine@farfallaintegrativehealth.com or schedule a phone call or video chat to set up an appointment.
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5.
How can acupressure be done virtually? What does a typical virtual acupressure session look like?
You will be fully dressed and either seated or lying down in a comfortable position with your camera positioned so I can see most, if not all, of your body. We’ll take a few minutes at the beginning to discuss your needs.
I’ll then guide you through an individualized series of acupoint combinations and instruct you how to hold the points on your own body. We’ll be together on camera the entire session so I can let you know when and how to move from one point to the next. I’ll also instruct you in modifications for holding the points if needed.
If you notice sensations in your body while holding the points or if you have questions or concerns, I’ll be right there with you to help navigate whatever comes up during the session.
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6.
Will we be talking during the session?
After our initial discussion, I may check in from time to time during the session and ask what you’re noticing. During virtual visits, I’ll be talking throughout the session to instruct you on where to hold the points on your body and when to move from one point to the next.
How much you choose to speak during the session is entirely up to you. Some people prefer not to talk at all once we start the process. Others like to bring up things they’re noticing as the session unfolds. Some people prefer to wait until the end of the session to discuss what they experienced. Whatever feels right to you is completely fine.
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7.
I’m not into woo-woo or new age spiritual things. Do I have to believe in acupressure for it to work for me?
No. Acupressure has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to help regulate imbalances in the body-mind system and stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities. It is not a spiritual or faith-based practice. Belief is not required to see results.
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8.
Is there any research on the effectiveness of acupressure?
Yes. There are clinical studies showing acupressure to be effective with a variety of issues including pain, fatigue, and anxiety.
Research has found that acupressure affects the physical body in ways that include changes in brain connectivity patterns as well as heart rate and blood pressure.
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9.
I’m being treated for a physical condition and/or mental health issue. Can I come to you instead of seeing my doctor or therapist?
No. I am not a doctor, psychotherapist, or counselor, and acupressure is not a substitute for formal medical or psychological care. However, acupressure is an excellent complement to conventional treatments you may be receiving from your healthcare providers.
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10.
How long is each acupressure session?
The free consultation phone call is 20 minutes long to see if your needs and my services are an appropriate fit.
A new client visit (includes an initial assessment and guided acupressure session) is 75 minutes long.
Follow-up acupressure sessions last about 60 minutes.
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11.
How many acupressure sessions will I need?
It depends on the scope of the issue. Sometimes a few sessions are enough to address an issue effectively; others require more time. There is no prescribed formula for determining the number of sessions a person needs.
We’ll work together to come up with a plan, but you ultimately decide what feels right for you.
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12.
Does health insurance pay for acupressure sessions?
No. Health insurance does not cover acupressure sessions.
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13.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds to pay for acupressure?
Acupressure services may be eligible for reimbursement from health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) depending on your plan. You may need to obtain a letter of medical necessity from your doctor for the expense to be covered. Check with the organization that manages your HSA or FSA for details.
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14.
How much does a session cost?
See pricing page.
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