“The Curious Case of the $799 Acupuncture Needle.”

On November 5, 2019November 5, 2019 By austinacupuncturejasonIn Conditions We TreatLeave a comment

I’ve often said that acupuncture is the absolute best value in healthcare. For that, I have no doubt. In a world where a routine doctors physical may now run you over $1000 and diagnostic tests at an ER visit can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, the value of an acupuncture visit at your local acupuncturist is a “no-brainer”. Even a full length recommended course of acupuncture therapy – consisting of a dozen or more visits often runs well under that $1,000 price tag.

I have seen many times, a patient scheduled for an operation… such as a hysterectomy or a new knee replacement, find almost immediate relief with a few sessions of acupuncture. I have (only somewhat jokingly) said many times that the reason insurance companies hate acupuncturists is because we poach their patients and are able to solve a $40,000 surgical medical problem for about $400; That’s (really) bad for business.

While more and more insurance companies are starting to cover acupuncture, they are doing it in a way that simultaneously stifles acceptance; namely, they often cap their reimbursement at a figure so low that most acupuncturists would literally lose money by accepting and billing insurance companies. Put another way, insurance companies are low-balling their reimbursement to the point that it simply does not make financial sense for most acupuncturists to accept insurance. When a “big box” hospital or clinic offers acupuncture, they often bill out to get what they can get and then “eat” the rest as a tax-deductible loss rather than charge the patient the unholy amount that they would normally want to charge. This is because, while they may have the monopoly on advanced medical procedures like a surgical operation or advanced diagnostic test, they simply cannot compete with the prices of the local licensed acupuncturist performing acupuncture.

But…. There is a problem… doctors still love acupuncture…they love recommending it to their patients. About 25% of my new patients are informally referred to our clinic by their doctor. The rest come from referrals from friends or family.

That is what happened with one patient in particular. This one particular patient had a case of bladder spasms and incontinence (Code R39.81) and was receiving a particular type of therapy at her Physician Assistant’s office at the hospital. The therapy she got was “64566: Posterior Tibial Neurostimulation, Percuteneous Needle Electrode, Single Treatment, Includes Programming”.

Although that sounds pretty fancy, what it means is that she was having her PA provider give her electro-acupuncture on a single point on the leg. A single acupuncture needle was inserted about half way up her inner calf and then had two wires attached from a small battery operated box similar to a “Tens Unit”. The unit would provide a very light electrical current to the needle. She would then sit back, relax and read magazines for 30 minutes before having the needle removed.

She was scheduled for 12 weekly visits at the cost of $799 per visit.

There are so many things about this that haunt and irritate me. I don’t want to sound too cantankerous and jaded, so I’ll keep most of them sour grapes to myself. 😉

But the thing that unsettles me the most is that what the hospital did was by-pass the already standard reimbursement rates for acupuncture provided by licensed and qualified acupuncturists (97813: Acupuncture, one or more needles, with electrical stimulation, initial 15 minutes), which would have fetched them about $79 max, by calling it something else (“neurostimulation”) and giving it a different CPT code number. They then can bill her insurance company $799. Voila! Same procedure but priced at 10 times more.

So instead of charging $79, they are able to charge $799 for that newly invented code number. That….seems…. I don’t know what… illegal? Immoral? Misappropriate? Swindly? Purloin? Nah…. none of those things… it’s fine. Nothing to see here…

Once this particular patient got her first bill in the mail about a month later and found that her insurance would only cover $499 and she was personally financially responsible for $300 per visit, she asked her PA about alternatives; that’s when the patient was told about us and our clinic. If you do the math, she would have ended up with a bill for $3,600 when all was said and done.

So she switched and started coming to us.

In the month that she has been coming to our clinic, she is now almost 100% symptom free, not to mention that several other of her health issues were addressed and corrected. The cost savings? Well, instead of spending $9,588 at the hospital for that single acupuncture needle, she came to our office and finished her 12 session series for under $500. That’s about a $9,000 savings… for an arguably much better outcome (and more needles 😀 ).

So what do I make of all this? What advice can I share with you? Well, I’m afraid that I really don’t have much for you besides the usual; things like “be interested in what your doctors are charging”. Nag them and ask them what something is going to cost BEFORE they do it (but not during an emergency, please). They won’t know how much you will be charged, because that is the state and nature of today’s medical system. But ask any ways. Nag them and ask them (along with their billing department). Often. About everything. Eventually… maybe… their perturb-ness will filter upstream to their upper management… and maybe… just maybe it will trigger a change in the system.

The other thing you can do is investigate everything else out there you can do for your condition. Become your own advocate and seek out studies at government sites like PubMed. Call around to your local chiropractors and acupuncturists or herbalists or nutritionists and homeopaths, etc. See what they have to say about your condition. Also be sure to ask them who else you should call or what other modality you should investigate; they will be more than happy to suggest many lines of investigation for you. Be your own advocate! Be your own number one champion of your healthcare… rather than rely on one or two professionals. I hate to say it, but no professional will ever be as committed to your health as YOU should be. Of course, even after saying all that; if time is short and a diagnosis is dire, don’t dally… do what your MD team tells you. Your life may depend on it.

Lastly, stay healthy. You know what to do; focus on perfecting your diet, your sleep quality, your daily routine, your relationships and acquaintances, your physical activity and your purpose in life… get your head on straight and start addressing all of those childhood traumas…all of these are pillars to good health… the fertile ground you must nurture to allow true, long lasting health and healing.

Peace… Jason

Happy Halloween My Little Monsters!!!

On October 18, 2018October 18, 2018 By austinacupuncturejasonIn Conditions We TreatLeave a comment

Are you wandering the night with insomnia like a Vampire?
Or maybe dragging around a bum shoulder or dead leg around like a Zombie?
Does a Secret Government Biohazard Team need to cordon off the bathroom when your IBS acts up?
Perhaps your Brain Fog leaves you feeling like a half dazed Ghoulaimlessly wandering the countryside.

You can hear that ghastly, mournful wail drifting in from the moors late at night, emitted by patients who now realize how much unnecessary suffering they have gone through by not going to their acupuncturist; wandering off into the hinterlands never to darken the door of polite society again with their monstrously disfigured face; permanently contorted in its visage of regret and mourning for a pain-free life lost.

Oh No… Halloween is Almost Here and Can Be Terrifying !!! Especially if You are Struggling with Scary Health Issues! Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid!!!

Woe to those burdened and cursed with such horrific afflictions!

Because perhaps the scarier thing to realize is that right after Halloween comes the real big holiday season, with lots of parties, family get-togethers, plays, Christmas concerts and the like. And the idea of going to them can be scary if you aren’t up to handling it.

I hear stories all the time from my patients; “I wanted to go to my grandson’s school concert, but I couldn’t imagine sitting through that pain in my leg for a whole hour”. Or “With my sensitive stomach, there is no way I could travel to the Minneapolis to visit my daughter’s family for the holidays.”

Oh my, what a tragic shame! THE HORROR !!!

What is even more tragic is that many people simply accept their ill health as fate and decide there is nothing they can do about it. Ghouls Gore !!! With a few sessions of acupuncture, many of these socially debilitating health issues can easily be resolved!

So I would like to offer you some relief and assurance that this upcoming holiday season (the ones after Halloween) will be fantastic for both you and your family. And since acupuncture typically has such a long lasting effect, why not start now? Come in for a few sessions with me and we’ll get you fixed up in time for the next round of holidays.

“Insomnia making it impossible to function, leaving you feeling like a Gelatinous Blob? Gone in 6 sessions!
“Crippling back pain leaving you as miserable as Frankenstein’s Monster?” 6-12 sessions to complete relief.
“Neck tension and headaches got you walking around stiff as a Mummy?” Usually 3-6 sessions and done.
“Hot Flashes making you feel like a nuclear experiment gone wrong?” Relief is only 6-12 sessions away.
“Anxiety and depression got you feeling like being a Troll under the bridge?” Start with 6 sessions.

You see; feeling better could be just a few days away. So now, I would like to formally invite you to visit the office this month for a session or two of acupuncture. For many, even a single session is enough to reduce stress, loosen up tight muscles, break up inflammation in creaky joints and in general; make you feel better! What’s better; if you bring in this letter, I’ll knock $5 bucks off your next visit (ends October 31^st).

But many of you already know that sometimes healing takes time and you’ll need more than a single session. So, because of the tremendous response to a similar offer we had a few months ago, I would like to offer you two additional options.

Our 3 session Mini Package for only $127 (you’ll save $14).
Our 6 session Mega Pack of 6 sessions for a ridiculously low price of $242 (that saves you $40).

It’s hard to imagine how much of a savings that is. So compare that $242 to going to a MD and getting more MRI’s, X-Rays, Cortisone shots, Physical Therapy and prescriptions of drugs that have more ridiculous side effects than you can shake a stick at! Go ahead; take a moment and tally up the cost of all that in your head. NOW THAT’S SCARY!!

Beware… The Pagan Festival of Samhain Draws Nigh !!!

Of course, I want to encourage you to act quick; so you have to sign up by Halloween, otherwise the price goes back up to normal and the discounts go away. So Hurry…Call Me at Austin Acupuncture Clinic at 434-8700… Before the monsters catches up to you !!!……

…Because once you feel better, you may just notice that Halloween isn’t just about spooks and Scary monsters, but rather is equally about heroes and pixies and magical fairies and princesses!

Once the darkness of ill health has lifted, we can see all the light, wonderful things all around us.

So please, do consider coming in for at least one or two sessions this month. Not only will you be making yourself feel better, but you’ll be giving your loved ones a wonderful gift… which is ‘YOU’ in good health.

Best Wishes, Your good friend…

Jason –“Spooky”– Richard

“Happy Halloween, My Little Monsters !!!”

On October 18, 2018October 18, 2018 By austinacupuncturejasonIn Conditions We TreatLeave a comment

Are you wandering the night with insomnia like a Vampire?
Or maybe dragging around a bum shoulder or dead leg around like a Zombie?
Does a Secret Government Biohazard Team need to cordon off the bathroom when your IBS acts up?
Perhaps your Brain Fog leaves you feeling like a half dazed Ghoul aimlessly wandering the countryside.

Oh No… Halloween is Almost Here and Can Be Terrifying !!! Especially if You are Struggling with Scary Health Issues! Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid!!!

Woe to those burdened and cursed with such horrific afflictions!

Oh my, what a tragic shame! THE HORROR !!!

“Insomnia making it impossible to function, leaving you feeling like a Gelatinous Blob? Gone in 6 sessions!
“Crippling back pain leaving you as miserable as Frankenstein’s Monster?” 6-12 sessions to complete relief.
“Neck tension and headaches got you walking around stiff as a Mummy?” Usually 3-6 sessions and done.
“Hot Flashes making you feel like a nuclear experiment gone wrong?” Relief is only 6-12 sessions away.
“Anxiety and depression got you feeling like being a Troll under the bridge?” Start with 6 sessions.

Our 3 session Mini Package for only $127 (you’ll save $14).
Our 6 session Mega Pack of 6 sessions for a ridiculously low price of $242 (that saves you $40).

Beware… The Pagan Festival of Samhain Draws Nigh !!!

Once the darkness of ill health has lifted, we can see all the light, wonderful things all around us.

Best Wishes, Your good friend…

Jason –“Spooky”– Richard

Acupuncture for Arthritic Knee Pain

On October 1, 2018October 1, 2018 By austinacupuncturejasonIn Conditions We TreatLeave a comment

I wanted to talk a little about the ins and outs of acupuncture for knee pain… Not only because of the effectiveness I see in my own clinic every day in relieving knee pain, but because of the knowing that it could help so many more people.

From a personal perspective, chronic knee pain can be a life changer… preventing you from doing many of those activities you once loved and fear never being able to do again. For the many people I see in my clinic, simply playing with the grandchildren on the floor is something they are simply no longer able to do.

It is sometimes difficult to make sense of all the medical options available to you if you have knee pain. With medications, physical therapies, cortisone shots, rooster comb injections, surgeries and even knee replacements available, it is sometimes confusing or overwhelming.

For most patients, the chronic knee pain simply gets worse and worse over the years, with their doctors ramping up the invasiveness of their treatment until there is nothing left to try. Then its time for the pain clinic.

For the vast majority of people who come see me for knee pain, they have already been dealing with it for a very long time. Often years. Most have already gone down the path of conventional medicine, but with “so-so” results. They have gone to the therapists and gotten their x-rays and had the shots and perhaps even the surgeries…

With the increasing acceptance of acupuncture amongst medical doctors, many patients are increasingly being refereed to acupuncture for relief from their chronic knee pain. But sometimes even their doctor doesn’t know much more than what he or she may have seen on TV about acupuncture. It is unlikely they learned about it in medical school and since most of their continuing medical education is provided by pharmaceutical companies, it is unlikely they are taught anything about acupuncture’s usefulness there either.

Sometimes it may be best to simply observe what other doctors are doing around the world. As an example, organizations as large as the US military routinely utilize acupuncture for active duty personal. In Europe, the national health care systems of Germany, Italy, Britain, France, and many others regularly utilize acupuncture. In several countries including Germany, and Italy, acupuncture is considered the first line treatment for chronic low back pain and OA of the knee.

In Scharf’s 2006 paper Acupuncture and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Three-Armed Randomized Trial, they found that not only was acupuncture more effective in pain relief than standard care, but held on to that effectiveness more than 6 months after the end of the treatments.

In the case of knee pain, I often paint acupuncture as a form of “Physical Therapy” to my patients; meaning that the intent is to as quickly as possible provide long term pain relief and then cease treatments. In my clinic I very rarely see a knee pain patient more than 12 visits with the average being just 6 treatments.

Not too long ago, a MD referred “Shirley” to my office for knee pain. Although she was previously diagnosed with mild osteoarthritis, she had what was considered by her doctor, an unreasonable amount of pain for the degree of arthritis she had.

Because of the apparent mildness of her arthritis and young age, she was not yet a candidate for knee replacement surgery for several more years. She had been on several different medications and had received 2 rounds of cortisone shots. Her doctor suggested she try acupuncture for pain relief.

I recommended to Shirley that we start with three sessions to gauge how well she responded to the acupuncture. I explained to her that although three sessions is rarely enough to complete the therapy, we will then know at what rate she responds. After three sessions, she reported that the pain in her knee was 50% better. I recommended three additional treatments which improved the pain by 95%. She reported only very minor discomfort when first rising to a standing position; otherwise she no longer noticed any pain once she got moving. On our 7^th visit, she was released from treatment. Upon follow up 3 months later, she reported still remaining relatively pain free.

This tends to be a typical case. Unfortunately, there is a small number who do not respond well to this form of care. Thankfully, they are relatively easily to identify within just a few treatments. While it is rare to have a dramatic, long lasting improvement with a single treatment (as many see in movies or hear about from acquaintances), patients should see at least some slight improvement with the initial treatment followed by increasingly noticeable improvement with successive sessions. Occasionally, a patient will be what I call a “late bloomer” and not see any significant improvement until several sessions into the course of treatment.

If a patient does not see improvement after 3 treatments, I typically assume that they are one of the 15% who does not respond well to acupuncture and suggest ending future treatments.

A typical course of treatment frequency would be 3 sessions a week. If they see improvement, we will continue with 3 more sessions the following week and then reevaluate.

A typical visit to an acupuncturist lasts just under an hour. We will chat a bit, talk about the weather and their kids; evaluate the chief complaint and then conduct the treatment. We may typically insert 10-15 “filiform” threads (acupuncture needles) into specific acupuncture point locations around the knee, hands and ear. Once the needles are in place, the patient sits quietly for 20-40 minutes while the body “does its thing”. In that, I mean that the body responds to the tiny stimulation caused by the acupuncture needle. Even with a single puncture, the body responds with a cascade of chemical neurotransmitters triggering the body to produce endorphins, enkephalins, muscle relaxants and anti-inflamatories along with a host of other chemical responses. As I typically tell my patients “acupuncture triggers your body to make its own medicine”.

So should you know of anyone who are not responding well to conventional treatment, I welcome you to contact me with any questions about the use of acupuncture for their issue.

“Got Your Flu Shot?”

On September 27, 2018 By austinacupuncturejasonIn Conditions We Treat, UncategorizedLeave a comment

“What About Your “Common Cold” Shot?…”

Trick question… because there is no such thing as a “common cold shot”.

First off… Greetings!!! Let me wish you a very Happy Autumn 2018. Last week on the 22nd marked the first day of Fall with the Autumnal Equinox. I just like saying that, don’t you… it just rolls off of the tongue… “Autumnal Equinox.”

As an interesting aside; the Chinese calendar considers that not the beginning, but the midpoint of autumn. And that now we are coasting downward towards winter. Interesting. So whichever calendar you want to follow, I wish you a healthy and prosperous fall 2018.

But now back to business… By now you know, it’s ALREADY Cold and Flu Season here in Austin. So far I personally have seen many people struck with the classic signs of colds… chills, aches, fatigue, coughs sore throats, etc…. And we have already had our first serious cases of influenza reported at the hospital. And for every one patient a doctor sees for the flu, they’ll see 10 for the simple common cold. Unfortunately doctors don’t have much to offer these people unless the symptoms become life threatening.

The Drug makers would have you believe that once you get their Flu shot, you are free and clear and impervious to the flu. But scientific research data may show something a little bit different. Ok, ok… ALOT different.

Several recent studies over the past few years have shown that the flu shots are a total bust. What is often failed to be mentioned in the media is that colds and flu’s are caused by hundreds of different viruses and bacteria’s. Each year, when the drug companies produce the next year’s batch of vaccine, it’s based on their educated guess on which of the 6 or so virus strains will be the most common that upcoming year; but definitely not all 10,000 of them. What if you happen to be exposed to the wrong flu virus strain?

And the common cold, of course HAS no vaccine.

So what are we to do about it? How can we protect ourselves and our family from this years colds and flus? Thankfully there is plenty that you can do.

First, be sure to get enough high quality sleep. That is vital for a healthy immune system. Another thing is to eat well and get some exercise. Go outside and go for a walk out in nature or do some yard work. Just being out in nature has been shown to boost our immune system. Another tip is to gargle daily with salt water. More on that later….

Thankfully, there is plenty that you can do NOW to prevent the worst from happening this season. And if you are looking for another huge boost to your immune system, why not give yourself a little “beat the odds” insurance…

…Why not give yourself the assurance

acupuncture provides?

Q; “But why would I need acupuncture, I’ve already got my flu shot?”

A; The flu shot is definitely touted by our doctors to be a good thing, but even on the best of days, won’t stop all strains of flu, and it definitely won’t stop a common cold or other infections like bronchitis & pneumonia. Modern OTC & prescription cold medicines concerns themselves primarily with either killing the germs or controlling symptoms. Many of the drugs that we take actually suppress the body’s natural attempts to fend for itself. Achy muscles, fever, sneezing and snotty noses are all things the body does to defend itself and defeat the invading germs. Most cold medicines attempt to stop those natural responses because they annoy us. But research shows that these OTC remedies such as decongestants actually lengthen the course of the illness; Not shorten it. So we stay sick longer. Bummer.

The reason acupuncture achieves such great success in treating colds and flu’s and similar conditions has to do with the nature of the acupuncture itself. Acupuncture’s primary concern is maintaining a healthy state of balance within the human body and its outside environment. It boosts our bodies natural immune response.

Acupuncture is a perfect tool to prevent colds and flus by improving your immune defenses. Many seperate research studies find that people who receive regular acupuncture treatments get sick less often. If you already have a cold or flu, acupuncture has been shown to reduce the length and severity of symptoms so that you recover more quickly. There have been countless clinical studies preformed in universities and hospitals worldwide proving its effect.

Even after a single needle, the body begins to respond by producing more white blood cells, reduces the stress hormone cortisol and strengthens the immune system.

Q; “What is the proof it works? Isn’t it all just Silly Folk Medicine?”

A; The fact is, millions of physicians from around the world have used these therapies for years. Even here in the US, acupuncture and herbal medicine is becoming mainstream medicine at a breakneck pace. Today, over 25% of all the hospitals in the US have acupuncturists on staff, Over 33% of all the medical schools now offer courses on acupuncture to their doctors. Even Mayo clinic in Rochester has given its nod of approval and now offers acupuncture to patients with auto-immune disorders and pain. Several studies prove its effectiveness in all manner of immune system disorders including such deadly viral diseases as HIV, hepatitis, shingles and AIDS.

Here’s a true story to illustrate the point. Some years ago, a group of esteemed scientists from the People’s Republic of China were invited to visit the United States by the American scientific community. This event ushered in an exchange of ideas and an opportunity for two great nations to be able to corroborate on a number of issues vital to the health and welfare of the world. Over a period of two months, the Chinese scientists visited virtually every major research facility in the nation, followed closely by their American hosts, who were furiously taking notes and promoting discussion on matters from nuclear physics to aerospace, medical research and treatment approaches. The visit culminated in a banquet at Princeton University in honor of the Chinese scientists, which was attended by a virtual “who’s who” of the North American scientific world.

During the banquet, the moderator of the event posed the question to the chief Chinese scientist as to what he felt was one of the most significant things he had learned in America; what had impressed him the most about the United States that he would return to China and share it with his colleagues who were not present on this historic visit? The scientist rose from his chair, strode to the microphone, gazed over the crowd and stated in understandable English: “The number one thing that has impressed me the most about America is the erroneous belief by the common person that there is no cure for the common cold.” The American scientists were totally caught off guard with this statement, as it was perhaps the farthest thing from anyone’s mind. It was not what they had expected to hear.

Although the US is fixated on the idea that there is no cure for the common cold, in the Orient, it is commonly understood that there is plenty that you can do to get rid of colds & flus and speed up and shorten the length & duration of it.

In Chinese Medical school, the first sickness we learn to treat is the common cold. During the SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic of a few years ago, the Chinese (who are constantly trying to modernize their healthcare system), found themselves once again turning to and relying on centuries old traditional herbal medicine & acupuncture over more conventional western drug treatments for the deadly SARS. Doctors found themselves giving traditional medicine such as acupuncture and herbs in the Emergency Room along with modern life saving treatments such as nebulizers and steroids and antiviral drugs.

Q; “But my insurance won’t pay. You want me to pay for this out of my pocket? You Crazy?!?”

A; There are lots of things insurance doesn’t cover, so we shouldn’t really depend on them to make the best decisions for us. Eye glasses, hearing aids, dental, expensive cancer treatments, etc… are only partially covered if at all, leaving you with the bill. Nor do they pay for walking shoes or gym membership or even green house plants for your home? Those three things have been scientifically proven to reduce sickness, relieve depression, speed recovery and improve overall health. Just as acupuncture has.

Nope, insurance coverage is not based on best medical practices & outcomes. It is based on something else. Something which should concern us all. Why don’t they pay for those things I mentioned? Truthfully the insurance companies don’t care whether you are sick or not, or in pain, or even ugly. What matters to insurance companies is that someone pays them and they hopefully don’t have to pay you. Honestly, how much faith do you put in insurance companies really caring about you. It’s quite cynical to think, but many people have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interest for your insurance company that you stay sick and in pain… That way they have to charge more in premiums and thus make more profit. The sicker you are and the more expensive care you need, the better it is for their bottom line. Healthy people just aren’t actually all that profitable for insurance companies. Sick people are. Acupuncture saves money, so they want nothing to do with it.

Years ago, health care was decided by you and your doctor. Today, health care decisions are made by politicians, some corporation’s lawyers and their accountants 1000 miles away. With prices so high, medical care is inaccessible and unaffordable unless your insurance company “allows” you to have it. Acupuncture on the other hand is cheap cheap cheap!

Choosing acupuncture means that you are taking back control.

Q; “So how can I take back control over my health this season?”

A; You can come in for some acupuncture. Even one session will help. But if you really want the best, you can come in for our “Immune Booster Acu-Pack” (nice name, eh?). It’s a series of 10 treatments over the course of just a few weeks. You will not only vastly increase your chances of remaining cold and flu free for the rest of this winter season, but you will feel much, much better, overall. Remember that feeling you had when you initially came in for acupuncture; remember the relaxed feeling; the peace of mind and mental awakeness; The feeling of having more energy. That’s why I have decided to make you a very special offer to remove any roadblocks you might think there are to keeping yourself well this winter.

As you know, acupuncture medicine doesn’t work by magic (I wish). Just as if you were to go to the gym once and then not go back, you shouldn’t expect to see many results. In this way, Acupuncture is like going to the gym, but for your insides instead of your outsides. One acupuncture treatment usually just wouldn’t be enough. A short series is needed to make the benefits stick long term. That’s why were offering this;

10 sessions for the incredible price of $397! (That’s a whopping savings!!!)

To put it in perspective; remember that acupuncturists up in the Cities and Rochester charge between $75-125 for a single session of acupuncture cash. Mayo charges as much as $280 a session! If you do that math, it’s like getting $2800 worth of care for $397! We’re simply doing this because we really want you to be healthy this season and want you to make sure you get enough acupuncture for it to be effective. Now compare that $397 to the last bill you got from the doctor. Unless you are one of those ultra-rare Hormel retirees from long ago with 100% coverage, your bill made you queezy when you first saw it- because it was so sky high. Heck… just the other day we got a bill from Mayo for a routine 15 minute doctors visit… $1,598.00 !!! For a 15 minute appointment.

“The number one reason acupuncture fails is because patients drop out too soon or treatments are spaced too far apart. That’s why we want you to come in for the 10 sessions over a course of just a few weeks. 10 sessions is the common treatment protocol in Chinese hospitals and University studies and is the foundation for good, long lasting results.”

…So Commit to Caring For Yourself Beginning with Acupuncture…

Feel energized…

Become pain free…

Sleep like a baby…

Enjoy peace of mind…

Increase your endurance for what life throws at you…

Many in America have found acupuncture as a cost effective addition to their healthy lifestyle in building a strong immune system, strengthen vital internal organ function and increase overall health, longevity and sense of well being.

Not only will these 10 sessions boost your immune system, it’ll also address whatever else needs to be taken care of such as a bad back or headaches. The beauty of Chinese Medicine is its ability to address multiple ailments at the same time. So I recommend setting you up with the 10 sessions at a frequency of 2 to 3 a week (the way it’s done in China); or whatever works best for you.

The only catch is that you have to act fast. My accountant hates when I give you all such great deals and demands that I limit this to just a few people since the savings is so drastic. He thinks I’m giving away too much value and cutting too deep into the bottom line. So to keep him off my back, I agreed to limit it to just the first 10 people. But also, if October 15th comes, the deal is off and so is the savings. The other reason I’m doing that because you need to act fast to prepare your body’s defenses before the viruses get here in full force.

You have to ask yourself; What is your health worth? What is a winter free from the misery of the flu worth? What is it worth to enjoy play time with your grandkids this season? There aren’t a whole lot of winters in ones lifetime to enjoy, you know.

So don’t let this fantastic opportunity for better health slip by. It’s such a small investment. You’ll be trading away something you don’t want (the crud) for something you do (better health) and not only will you be healthier; you’ll have more energy to enjoy it with.

So go ahead, Call our Austin Acupuncture office today and mention the “Immune Acu-Pack”…

*P.S. Remember, at the stroke of midnight, October 15^th, this offer will be gone forever…

*P.S.S… And as always, I know $397 is a lot of money, so remember that we also offer a 3 session pack for only $127 and our single visits are still just the crazy low price of $47. Hope to see you soon…

Jason…

10 Ways Acupuncture Can Change Your Life

On September 2, 2018September 2, 2018 By austinacupuncturejasonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Happy Autumn My Friends! I’m always excited to explain to people how acupuncture works and share acupuncture-inspired tips for leading a healthier, simpler, more meaningful life. Acupuncture helps us see the world differently — with more hope, openness, intention, gratitude, compassion, patience and clarity. In doing so, it changes us.

Here are 10 specific ways that acupuncture can change your life.

It will open your mind.

Acupuncture requires us to think about health in entirely new ways. Despite noble efforts by many to find one, there is no biomedical equivalent for “qi” or “meridians”. Acupuncture turns mainstream medical tenets on their head. It will remind you that there are multiple ways of seeing the world.

It can help make you less stressed.

Acupuncture takes the edge off. It removes you from the perpetual state of adrenal fatigue in which so many of us find ourselves. By mellowing out the nervous system, acupuncture can help you feel less affected by and better equipped to manage the stressful aspects of life.

It can help give you more energy.

Although it’s common to find yourself in “acu-acu-land” — that somewhat dazed, blissfully-relaxed state — immediately following acupuncture treatment; the effect soon thereafter is usually increased energy, vigor and lucidity. Many people report having more energy in the hours, days and even weeks after acupuncture treatment. You may notice that you’re avoiding that post-lunch brain drain, feeling more motivated to hit the gym, or just sensing a little extra spring in your step.

It will clear your head.

In addition to the surge of physical energy that follows emerging from “acu-land”, many people notice improved mental clarity after acupuncture. They’re able to make decisions faster with greater confidence. They feel more motivated and resolute about tackling items that have been lingering for months on their to-do lists. It’s as if the mental cobwebs have been cleared out. Suddenly, you will be out of your own way and able to get things done.

It can help you sleep.

Insomnia is one of the most common complaints seen by acupuncturists, and acupuncture can be highly effective at helping it. But even in people who do not recognize or mention sleep as a problem, acupuncture has a tendency to produce more restful nights. This often goes unnoticed until asked about on a follow-up visit. I hear this refrain multiple times a day: “You know, now that you mention it, I have been sleeping a lot better since I started coming for acupuncture.”

It will help you embrace change.

Conventional medicine requires us to think in absolutes, to label things good or bad, black or white. We’re either sick or we’re healthy. Our numbers are ‘too high’ or ‘too low’. We’re happy or we’re depressed. Yet in between these extremes, subtle yet significant shifts occur. Acupuncture works in this gray area and teaches us to reflect on the small changes happening within and around us all the time. In acupuncture, this is progress. Unwillingness to accept change is a huge source of stress and anxiety for many people. Through reframing change as a marker of progress rather than something to be scared of, you will learn to love it.

It will give you something to talk about at parties.

Acupuncture is a crowd pleaser! Next time you’re feeling awkward or bored at a social gathering, mention that you recently had acupuncture. You’ll be an instant sensation. People love learning about acupuncture. Did it hurt? Did he stick them in your eyes? Did you blood? People also love sharing their own acupuncture experiences, so it’s a quick way find common ground and make friends.

It will make you more patient.

We loooove technology. Whether it’s the latest product from Apple or a cutting-edge MRI, we lust after shiny tools that promise to make us better. Technology, while awesome, acclimates us to quick fixes and perpetuates an “I want it now” mentality. This creates chronic impatience. Acupuncture, because it works but rarely overnight, can help us combat this. Acupuncture initiates an ongoing process within ourselves that requires an investment of time and a willingness to let go of our desire for instant gratification. It will make you a more patient person.

It will make you tough.

It’s not always easy to embrace acupuncture. Most doctors, as well as some family, friends and colleagues, regard mainstream medicine as the only acceptable form of health care. The constant barrage of pharmaceutical advertising is hard to ignore. It takes courage to go against the grain. Acupuncture, although becoming more popular, is still not the norm. It requires a conscious commitment to understanding ourselves in a way that the majority shuns. This is the harder path toward health but ultimately the most rewarding.

It will make you believe in yourself.

The driving idea behind acupuncture is that we’re already in possession of everything we need to be well. Acupuncture does not add or subtract anything. Rather, it prompts the body to do what it already knows how to do. It reminds you that you have the power to heal yourself.

This does not mean that external interventions such as pharmaceuticals or surgery should always be shunned — in many cases, these are life-saving measures. But it does mean that becoming healthier, whatever that means to you, is within your control. When it comes to improving our physical and emotional health, most of us are capable of a lot more than we think. By using a therapy like acupuncture, which embraces rather than ignores our innate healing capacity, you’re making a statement that you believe in yourself.

Wishing you a Transformative Auttumn!

P.S. Here comes the sales pitch… “We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through the years by getting them feeling better fast! We are also here to help you STAY feeling better and looking younger! Don’t be a stranger. With our affordable fees, it’s less expensive than you think! You really can afford pain free quality Acupuncture care!”

Still Celebrating 17 Years in Business!!!

On September 2, 2018 By austinacupuncturejasonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I would like to personally thank each and every one of you who have ever paid our office a visit. My family and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. I feel so blessed to have been able to be a part of so many of your lives and I want you to know that I do not take that honor lightly.

When I first graduated from the acupuncture program at Northwestern, many skeptics thought I was crazy for thinking that I could make a living in Austin doing acupuncture. “Good luck with that” was one snarky comment I especially remember. Well, after 17 years, I think it is safe to say that we proved them wrong. J

There is a statistic in business that 90% of new businesses close up shop within 5 years. Of those that survive those initial 5 years, 90% of those will also close within the next 5 years. Business is tough stuff! Not for the faint of heart when only a handful of businesses can survive 10 years. While I would like to believe that our success was because of my keen business savvy and intellect, I think we all know better than that. 😉

I lay most of the success of Austin Acupuncture at the feet of the patients… our customers. You. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Sure, some people would make the argument that “I had to come, I was in so much pain…”, but the truth is that we all have so many options for healthcare here in Austin, nobody really “neeeeeds” to go for acupuncture (even if it is the most effective approach). It was a choice and I do appreciate the fact that you chose us.

Some of you had come once or twice and decided it wasn’t for you… that is fine. Some of you have literally been coming off and on since we first opened up 17 years ago. An especially big Thank You to all of you. Another group of you came in for a short series… got the relief you were looking for… and then disappeared forever. To those of you in that category, I say…

“Helloooo…. over here… Remember us???… did you forget about us???…

Acupuncture does more than just that one thing you came in for; its good for literally hundreds of problems… If it worked for you that one time, its likely that it would help you with that other problem of yours that just sprang up… you know the one; the one you’ve been going to the doctor for the past year without any success…” 😉

…I digress…

Because of all of you, I’ve been able to provide for my wife and children a safe and stable life. As you know, acupuncture hasn’t made me rich (I’ve done the math; and it’s pretty much impossible). But it has allowed me to offer my children a somewhat verdant future. I’ve very proud of my kids, and have not lost sight of the fact that each of YOU has also played an important role in helping provide for them. Thank you so very much for that.

I am so thankful that you had made that decision to choose acupuncture, for whatever reason. I only pray that it has given you some relief and that I may continue to help you and your family in the future, should the need ever arise. So, these next 17 years to come, my thoughts will undoubtedly often drift to all of you and just how important each of you has been in my life and my family’s. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to serve you over the years, and I look forward to seeing you soon. If there is ever anything I can ever do for you, please don’t hesitate to call.

Pain Free Knees

On August 29, 2018August 29, 2018 By austinacupuncturejasonIn Conditions We Treat, UncategorizedLeave a comment

It’s natural. After years of carrying you around, your knees start getting creaky, achy and stiff. Osteoarthritis is considered by many in the medial community as a “natural part of aging” just like wrinkles, graying of hair and other “age related” changes. It isn’t that everyone is bound to get arthritis, but many do. Modern research is showing that there are many things that we all can do to prevent knee pain before it becomes a problem.

Lose some weight; One thing to reduce the strain on the knees is to loose some weight. Studies show that as little as a 15 lbs. reduction in body weight reduces knee pain by 50%.

Exercise Your Knees; A very effective remedy and preventative for arthritis is to exercise your knees, as long as you avoid excessive strain on the joints. Walking, dancing, yoga, tai chi and other and light weight-bearing exercises all benefit.

Have your feet checked; Some knee problems stem from walking with a off kilter gait. If your shoes soles are wearing down unevenly, it may mean that your knee discomfort could be solved with an orthotic prescribed by a podiatrist.

Medications; Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, celebrex and acetaminophen will temporarily relieve the pain, but they do not cure it. But there are many supplements on the market which have been shown to effectively prevent the degeneration caused by osteoarthritis in the knee. Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and others. There are also many acupuncturists who also specialize in traditional Chinese herbal medicine who can prescribe a medicinal formula of herbs to treat knee pain of all sorts.

Acupuncture; There have been more studies investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture on knee pain than there have been investigating Ibuprofen’s effect on the same condition. Acupuncture for knee pain has a strong body of research proving it to be one of the more effective long term relievers of knee pain. Unlike pain killers which need to be taken every few hours, the effects of acupuncture, after finishing a course of treatment, lasts several months. Acupuncture has proven to be an efficient, cost effective treatment for knee pain.

And don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health, talk to us. Contact us with your, questions. We’re here to help, and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in your lifelong good health.

Austin Acupuncture Celebrating 17 Years

On August 14, 2018August 14, 2018 By austinacupuncturejasonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

It was official. 17 years ago on August 15^th 2001 I got my acupuncture license delivered by the US post office from the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice.

So I wanted to take a moment to thank each one of you who has visited and supported what we do here at the clinic (and those of you still just considering it. 🙂 ).

Many people were doubtful in the beginning that Austin would support something as crazy as an acupuncture clinic. Maybe they thought that Austin was too “conservative” for something as far out as acupuncture or “alternative” medicine. But I’m sure most have them have stopped laughing by now because it turns out that we have had a great run for the past 17 years.

Surprisingly enough, it was exactly those “conservative” types that have come for acupuncture; the retirees and farmers and the teachers and policemen and factory workers and immigrants, corporate execs, lawyers, doctors, daycare providers… and everyone in between. And each one of them has been a wonderful patient and learning experience for me.

Back them, 17 years ago, acupuncture was still pretty new to the area. So it was quite a social and financial gamble for these early patients who dared to come. For all they knew it could have been the quackery that many people told them it was. Not so much any more.

Since then, many highly respected institutions have thrown their support behind acupuncture and encourage its use. Organizations such as the VA and the US military, U of M, the Mayo Clinic and all of the major hospitals across the country. And they support it because they know it works.

Acupuncture is definitely mainstream now.

And why do people come? They come for a whole spectrum of health issues, for sure. Of course the most common reason is pain of some sort; back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, carpel tunnel… but also many people come for things such as digestive issues, allergies, hot flashes, anxiety and stress relief, infertility and the whole list of gynecological issues. People also come for cancer support and even cosmetic acupuncture or even just for the sense of overall well being that acupuncture provides. Heck, some people just come in for their occasional “tune-up” because they like how acupuncture makes them feel. One gentleman who comes in once a month after getting out of work calls it his “acupuncture happy hour”.

Acupuncture is so versatile; it can be used as a rehab, a quick course of treatment to fix a nagging health issue, or even just for prevention to improve health. Because isn’t it better to prevent a problem than to try fixing it after it has become a huge issue?

I have been truly blessed for these past 17 years for the amazing people who have supported this crazy acupuncture idea of mine. People often think that this acupuncture thing is about me, but I know that it is actually about them; the patients. Some people think that this is “my” clinic, but I know better. I know that it is “your” clinic. I am just here to serve each one of those patients that come looking for help. Without the fantastic people who have been brave enough and supportive enough of what we do here, we would not have lasted all of these 17 years.

So to all of you who have ever came for acupuncture, Thank you! From the bottom of my heart I want to thank each of you for trusting that acupuncture would be helpful and valuable to you and your family. I honor and value that trust.

And now… on to the next 17 years!

Are You More Yin or More Yang?

On July 30, 2018 By austinacupuncturejasonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Yin; Night Below Interior Feminine Stillness Contraction Receiving Silence Water Cold

Yang; Day Above Exterior Masculine Action Expansion Giving Speech Fire Hot

The concept of yin & yang goes back to its earliest reference in 700 b.c. in the Yellow Emperor’s Book of Changes known as the “Yi Ching”. They are not, in themselves physical substances. Yin and yang represent opposing but complimentary forces. They flow into each other and contain seeds of the other. We only understand something when compared to its opposite. This is the root of yin & yang theory. It is often illustrated in the famous yin & yang symbol which illustrates the concept quite clearly; it is one figure composed of two halves, each housing a small part of the other. Nothing is totally yin and nothing is totally yang, each eventually shifts, and changes and becomes the other. The concept of yin and yang is an important fundamental concept in Chinese medicine.

As a practitioner of Chinese medicine, the philosophy is to restore a balance within the body; including to harmonize the proper yin and yang balance and function of the patients body. A healthy body is one that maintains the great harmony of balanced yin & yang.

So are you more yin or more yang? It’s a trick question because we are always shifting and changing in an effort to maintain balance between the two. When we are sound asleep, we are more yin; when we are working out, we are doing something more yang. If we are 6 years old, we are definitely more yang; when we are 86, we are definitely more yin.

This can also be seen in our personalities. Both men and women have aspects of both yin and yang and our own unique balance of the two. Often times if we find ourselves having a problem within our selves, we might be able to identify it in terms of yin and yang and then begin to go about addressing it in an effort to re- harmonize this proper balance.

Hope that helped.

Jason…