FAQs

  • Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and they are inserted gently and shallowly. While each person experiences acupuncture differently, most people feel only a minimal amount of sensation as the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place, most of our patients tell us that they experience a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing that lasts for many hours after the treatment.

  • While we do have a particular specialty when it comes to fertility and reproductive issues, we are a general practice that treats everything from pain to digestive issues and everyone from newborns to senior citizens.

  • Stimulation of soft tissue with acupuncture needles elicits neurological, endocrine, and immunological/inflammatory mechanisms, responses that promote healing and homeostasis, alleviate pain, provide stress relief, and induce physical and psychological relaxation.

    Electro-Acupuncture adds the use of a light electric current (like a TENS unit) for a wide range of conditions from anxiety to back pain.

  • Trigger point dry needling is an indispensable tool in treating myofascial (muscle and fascia) pain. It works by eliminating hyperactive “trigger points” that refer pain across nerve, muscle, and connective tissue in predictable patterns. Dry needling refers to the insertion of very fine acupuncture needles in order to treat hypersensitive areas of muscle and soft tissue known as “trigger points” that, when active, are painful or refer pain to other areas. Studies into dry needling show that it can induce local tissue repair, and affects mechanisms in connective tissue and neuroendocrine function. When trigger points are “deactivated,” they normalize and become less irritable, with higher pain and inflammatory thresholds.

  • Orthopedic Acupuncture is a musculoskeletal based system of Acupuncture. The stimulation of motor points, synapses between muscles and motor nerves, is used to fix neurological dysfunction. This form of treatment produces involuntary twitches in affected muscles, helping to reset dysfunctional muscle spindles and to correct reflexive spasms and abnormal muscle function. Often this method is used for muscles that are atrophied or weak, or those that are not responding to traditional physical therapies.

  • We do not accept insurance; however, we are happy to provide you with a receipt that has the necessary coding for you to submit to your provider. We recommend checking with your insurance company to see if you are covered for acupuncture and, if so, what specific conditions your insurance company covers acupuncture for.

    Acupuncture is considered an “eligible expense” for FSA, and HSA accounts. Some plans will require you to submit a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), which we are happy to help you with. Some plans also consider health products, supplements, herbs and bodywork services as eligible expenses.

  • We understand that there are times when you must miss an appointment due to emergencies or obligations for work or family. However, when you do not call to cancel an appointment, you may be preventing another patient from getting much needed treatment. Conversely, the situation may arise where another patient fails to cancel and we are unable to schedule you for a visit, due to a seemingly “full” appointment book. Cancellations without 24-hours advanced notice will incur a $75 fee. Moon Wellness requires a $75 reservation fee per session with a credit card.

    If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify us as soon as you can by phone, online or by emailing info@moonnj.com.

  • Most of our patients see us weekly; however, each case is unique. Your practitioner will craft a clear treatment plan for you and will tell you how often you should have treatment. Everyone responds to treatment differently so your results will depend on your particular situation. There are certain issues that can be addressed in a visit or two; other cases might require more treatments until your goal is met. Your practitioner will be able to guide you on the results you can expect. Often, patients will notice relief from a specific symptom straight away, though we may need more time to work on the underlying root of the issue.

  • The short answer? Just about everything! Chinese medicine is a complete system of medicine that has been used in Asia to treat a broad range of disorders. It is usually more helpful for chronic issues than acute ones. For complex cases we suggest you speak with our acupuncturists before you book your first appointment, especially if you have specific questions about how acupuncture and/or herbs might be beneficial to you.

  • On our first visit, you will receive a comprehensive consultation and treatment. Our experienced practitioner will review your medical history and determine the best course of action based on your unique case. No labs or medical documentation are required, but we are happy to review any information you provide.

    You can schedule an initial consultation either virtually or in person, lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. Treatment sessions can be scheduled for a later date, or you can opt to have both the initial consultation and first treatment on the same day in person. Follow-up acupuncture treatments will last approximately 60 minutes.

 FAQs

  • In general, there are a few conditions that would prevent you from getting a massage. Of course, do not schedule an appointment if you are feeling unwell, have a fever, cold, or a skin condition that is contagious. The first trimester of pregnancy is generally considered off-limits for massage, as are active chemotherapy or other intensive medical treatments. If you have a serious medical condition and you are unsure if a massage would be safe for you, massage therapists will recommend that you speak with your primary care provider to get approval first.

  • The health experts at National University of Health Sciences presents the top five health benefits of adding regular massage therapy to your health and wellness strategy. Massage therapy from a licensed practitioner can:

    1. Lower stress

    The long-term effects of stress can take emotional and physical tolls. Massage therapy may relieve stress and conditions associated with it, such as tension headaches.

    2. Increased Immune Function

    Medical research indicates that massage therapy can help boost immune system strength by increasing the activity level of the body’s natural “killer T cells,” which fight off viruses.

    3. Boost Mental Health and Wellness

    Research suggests that symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression (all associated with mental health) may be directly affected by massage therapy.

    4. Pain Management and Improved Range of Motion

    Pain can negatively affect a person’s quality of life and impede recovery from illness or injury. Recent findings highlight the role of massage in pain management.

    5. Improved Physical Fitness

    Elite and recreational athletes alike can benefit from massage therapy – massage can reduce muscle tension, improve exercise performance, and prevent injuries.

  • In general, massages should not hurt. In fact, if you are in pain during a massage, this may cause your muscles to seize up, making the relaxing effects more difficult to achieve. If the pressure is too intense, speak up immediately so your therapist can adjust. Certain techniques may result in soreness during the days following a massage, similar to that of a great workout, but in general, you should not have pain during or after your massage.

  • Your massage therapist should require you to fill out a health history form. They may also ask more in-depth questions to establish which areas you would like focused on, or if there are any specific conditions needing to be addressed. It is important to list all health concerns and medication so that your therapist can adapt your session to your specific needs without causing any harm. It is also important to specify any allergies so that your therapist may adjust the oil or cream being used during your visit.

  • You may undress to your level of comfort. Many people prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others choose to be nude. Your massage therapist will leave the room so you can undress and lie on the massage table under a top sheet. Regardless if you choose to maintain some clothing or not, your massage therapist will always ensure that you are always properly covered.

  • Some people enjoy having a conversation during their massage but keep in mind, the treatment is all about you releasing your tensions and enjoying the experience. Regardless of your choice, be sure to speak up during the massage if there is anything you would like adjusted (temperature, pressure, music, etc).

  • The main differences are body positioning and technique. During a pregnancy massage, you will recline face-up (supine), to elevate your upper body and relieve pressure on the lower back. For back and hip massage, you will lie on your side, with multiple pillows to support your knees, hips, and abdomen. Additional smaller bolsters are placed as needed for added support and comfort.

    During your massage, several specialized techniques unique to pregnancy massage will be used, and more time will be spent on common problem areas like the lower back, hips and feet. However, as always, the massage is tailored to meet your personal needs and comfort.

  • As long as you are having a normal, healthy pregnancy, you can have a prenatal massage at any time, from conception to labor. Massage is extremely beneficial to mother and baby during all stages of pregnancy. We do ask you get a clearance from you physician prior to scheduling the massage.

  • The only way to know if your therapist is qualified to perform prenatal massage is to work with a therapist who holds a special certification in prenatal massage.

  • Prenatal massage given by a certified prenatal therapist is completely safe under most circumstances. However, massage is only meant to relieve the general discomforts associated with a normal, healthy pregnancy, and is not a medical treatment for any ailments or diseases.

    If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, consult your physician before seeking massage therapy:

    -Severe morning sickness, vomiting, diarrhea or fever;

    -Frequent episodes of dizziness or fainting;

    -Pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or toxemia;

    -Excessive swelling in arms, legs, hands or feet that is painful, red or hot to the touch;

    -Uncontrolled high or low blood pressure;

    -Severe, painful or swollen varicose veins or phlebitis in the legs;

    -Unusual reduction in fetal activity over a 24-hour period;

    -Mother placed on partial or total bed rest.