DR. CAT HOUDEK ACUPUNCTURE
FAQs
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a natural, effective and non-invasive procedure used to promote the body's innate healing ability. It involves the insertion of single-use sterile hair-thin stainless steel needles into specific points on the body to create a therapeutic effect.
Doctors of Acupuncture use the system of Chinese medicine to diagnose and address each patient's health concerns.
Learn more about acupuncture here.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture is a pleasant, relaxing, and painless experience. With a skilled practitioner, acupuncture needle insertion should be generally painless. Common sensations following the insertion of an acupuncture needle include a dull achey sensation, a heavy sensation, a warm, tingly sensation, an electric sensation, or muscle twitches. These can occur immediately after insertion or not until later in the treatment. These sensations are normal and expected and are a result of the energy meridians being activated within your body.
If you ever feel a sharp or stabbing pain after the insertion of an acupuncture needle, please communicate that with your acupuncturist so she can adjust or remove the needle.
Most patients report feeling very relaxed and calm during an acupuncture session.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
The amount of treatments you need will vary based on your health concerns, your body constitution, your symptom presentation, and your goals. After you initial consultation appointment, Dr. Cat will curate an appropriate treatment plan for your individualized needs.
On average, noticeable results begin to appear with 6-12 treatments. Do not be discouraged if you don't feel effects immediately after your first treatment! Each acupuncture treatment builds on each other and creates a compounding effect. Similar to working out at the gym, with consistency and a plan, you will achieve long-term results!
A general rule of thumb is to allow 12 weeks of treatment; this is how long it takes to begin the process of regulating the nervous system and noticing real results!
Who can practice acupuncture?
In the state of California, acupuncturists who maintain a valid license issued by the Acupuncture Board are legally allowed to practice acupuncture. Board certified acupuncturists must have graduated from a Board-approved college with a Master's degree or higher in Chinese Medicine, and must have completed at least 2,050 hours of didactic and laboratory training and at least 950 hours of supervised clinical instruction.
Do you accept health insurance?
Dr. Cat is not an in-network provider. Some insurances offer out-of-network benefits for acupuncture. Please email drcathoudek@gmail.com with your insurance information to have any possible out-of-network benefits verified. Dr. Cat does accept HSA and FSA payments, and she can provide a superbill by request.
What are your hours and location?
4443 30th St. Suite 205
San Diego, CA 92116
Sunday 1:00-6:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am-6:00pm
Wednesday 3:00-6:00pm
Thursday 10:00am-1:00pm