How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is based on natural laws which describe the movement of life energy (called Chi or Qi) in nature and in the body. This life energy flows through the body along precise pathways. When the Chi in the body is balanced and flows properly, we are healthy. When the Chi is imbalanced, we experience distress and illness. Acupuncturists are trained to detect these imbalances in the Chi.

Does acupuncture hurt?
No, acupuncture usually does not hurt. A momentary prick is often felt around the needle as it is inserted, eventually creating a dull pressure gentle electrical sensation or tingling around the area during the treatment. Most people are amazed by how relaxed they feel during and after the treatment.
Your practitioner will check in with you while inserting needles, and monitor your comfort level. If you are uncomfortable in any way, a procedure will be altered, made a mild as possible, or even substituted for a non-needle technique.

Is acupuncture safe?
As long as it is performed by a competent, licensed, practitioner, acupuncture is extremely safe. Acupuncture needles are sterile, stainless steel, non-hypodermic needles. Acupuncturists are required to use disposable needles that are discarded after one use.

What conditions are treated with acupuncture?
What follows is a list of conditions that have been shown to respond to acupuncture treatment by the World Health Organization (WHO). The list is not meant to be all inclusive, but it does offer a view of the breadth of conditions that have been treated successfully with acupuncture.

Upper Respiratory Tract
 Acute sinusitis
 Acute rhinitis
 Common Cold and Flu
 Acute tonsillitis
Respiratory System
 Acute bronchitis
 Bronchial asthma (Most effective in children and uncomplicated conditions.)
Eye Disorders
 Acute conjunctivitis
 Central Retinitis Myopia (in children)
 Cataracts (without complications)
Mouth Disorders
 Toothache
 Post Extraction Pain
 Gingivitis
 Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis
Gastrointestinal Disorders
 Spasms of esophagus
 Hiccough
 Gastroptosis
 Acute and Chronic Gastritis
 Gastric Hyperacidity
 Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)
 Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complications)
 Acute and Chronic Colitis
 Acute Bacillary Dysentery
 Constipation
 Diarrhea
 Paralytic Ileus
Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorders
 Headache and Migraine
 Trigeminal Neuralgias
 Facial Palsy (early stage, i.e., within 3-6 months)
 Pareses Following a Stroke
 Peripheral Neuropathies
 Sequelae of Poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within 6 months)
 Meniere's Disease
 Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
 Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting)
 Intercostal Neuralgia
 Cervicobrachial Syndrome
 Frozen Shoulder
 Tennis Elbow
 Sciatica
 Low Back Pain
 Osteoarthritis
 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
 Back and Knee Pain
 Fibromyalgia
 Chronic Fatigue
 Sports Injuries and Pains
Reproductive & Gynecological Conditions
 Premenstrual Syndrome
 Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
 Spotting and Excessive Bleeding
 Amenorrhea (Loss of Menstrual Period)
 Impotence
 Infertility
 Incontinence
 Prostatis
Mental Emotional Problems
 Stress
 Anxiety
 Depression
 Insomnia

Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Eliza Mellen-Smith Acupuncture will gladly give you a bill to submit for insurance reimbursement.
We are in the process of becoming providers for Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna and United Healthcare.
To email our bookkeeper for a bill click here.
There are a few plans that cover acupuncture. Be sure to call your insurance provider to verify benefits.
When companies do not cover acupuncture, many patients set up a health savings plan with their employer to set aside tax free dollars for health services not covered by their traditional insurance. Eliza Mellen-Smith Acupuncture has worked with many workers compensation patients. A doctor referral is necessary for acupuncture treatment for workers comp.

What forms of payment are accepted?
Cash and check are the accepted forms of payment. Payment is due at the time of service.

How many treatments will I need?
This is unique to the individual and their diagnosis. Some people notice an immediate improvement in their health while for others acupuncture tends to have a cumulative effect over more visits. Generally the longer a condition has been experienced, the more treatment will be necessary to move it.

Does the clinic offer Chinese herbs or supplements? If so, what kind?
Yes, we have an extensive Chinese herbal pharmacy that consists primarily of patent herbal formulas that comes as granulated capsules or tablets. These herbs are all safe and certified

What else has our clinic had success in treating?
Insomnia
Headaches
Immune Weakness
Addictions
Menstrual Cramps
Digestive Imbalances
Chronic Fatigue
Asthma
Heart Palpitations
And Much More!

What Sets Our Clinic Apart From Other Chinese Medical Practitioners?
Eliza Mellen-Smith has extensive experience working in a variety of clinical settings from Western Medical to Holistic, she has taken the best of both worlds and combined it into a clinic that understands and can work with you on all levels.
A comprehensive diagnosis is clearly communicated and explained to you
We love what we do and are devoted to top quality patient care.
We take our time with you: 1.5 - 2 hours in the first visit and 60 minute follow-ups.
We educate you about what's wrong, why and how it can be healed according to Chinese medical principles.
When you get acupuncture treatments, at no extra charge, we give nutritional counseling, herbal consulting, cupping, moxibustion, and shiatsu as needed.
All of our herbs are GMP certified, manufactured in the United States, and are tested to ensure safety and potency.

Your treatment is personally tailored to your needs. Many acupuncturists use the same protocols on all of their patients. At Eliza Mellen-Smith Acupuncture, your treatment specifically reflects your unique individual dynamics.
Evening appointments are available.