Massachusetts MA Mass Licensed Acupuncturist

Acupuncture can help the
whole family ride down a
healthy path.

FAQ

How did Alison become an acupuncturist?
Alison studied for three years at the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) in Newton, Massachusetts. Alison completed over 750 clinical hours in a variety of settings in the Boston area: New England School of Acupuncture Clinic, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, The Wellness Center (focused on drug and alcohol recovery), and private practices. Alison received her Master's Degree in Acupuncture from the oldest school of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the United States. NESA is authorized by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to grant a Master of Acupuncture (M.Ac.) degree.

NESA course work and clinical training prepared Alison for national examinations. After successfully passing four examinations, she became certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Alison was then licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Medicine granting permission to practice acupuncture in Massachusetts.
Does acupuncture work?
Both the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health recognize acupuncture for a variety of acute and chronic health conditions. According to the conclusions of the National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement on Acupuncture (1997), acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment, an acceptable alternative, or included in a comprehensive management program for many conditions.
How long does it take to get better?
There are many factors influencing a course of treatment including the duration and severity of the condition being treated, a person’s health history, and lifestyle (i.e. smoking, drinking, and diet). Many patients begin to notice improvements in just a few treatments. By observing how the body responds to the first treatment, it is possible to estimate the number of treatments to reach your goal.
Does if hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the diameter of the human hair. The sensation of an acupuncture needle varies as most people do not even feel the needle insertion. Some people find treatments to be so relaxing they fall asleep.
Is acupuncture safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and labeled for single insertion by qualified practitioners only. Point of Healing Acupuncture uses sterilized, disposable needles.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies offer discounts through participating practitioners. Alison does not participate in a program that offers patient discounts because rates are kept low for everyone, regardless of the type of insurance one may have. Alison's rates are competitive with participating practitioners that accept insurance discounts.
How did acupuncture spread to the United States?
Acupuncture originated in China and spread to Korea and Japan which led to different acupuncture styles and techniques. Acupuncture was introduced in the United States when President Nixon visited China in the early 1970s. A reporter wrote an article in The New York Times about the use of acupuncture for anesthesia during surgery. In 1975 the New England School of Acupuncture opened in Massachusetts.