Do I need to bring anything to the visit?
How long will the appointment take?
What is acupuncture like?
How does acupuncture work?
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
Does the doctor use herbs or homeopathy?
What are Dr. Gottlieb's qualifications?
How long will I need to be in treatment?
What kind of self-help methods are used?
Do you provide any nutritional counseling?
Does the doctor do counseling?
Are phone consultations available?
Do you take insurance?
How much will a visit cost?
What forms of payment do you take?
Where are you located?

Do I need to bring anything to the visit?
For health problems of greater than a few months duration, it will be helpful for you to prepare a brief 1-2 page written narrative responding to the following questions:
1) How did your problem begin?
2) How has it changed over time?
3) What seems to make it better or worse?
4) What do you think is going on?
5) What do you hope to achieve in our meeting?
Answering these questions will help us focus and save time so that we may explore the more subtle aspects of your problem. If applicable, please bring along pertinent lab results and x-ray reports.

How long will the appointment take?
Minor health problems may take only 15-20 minutes. However, for more complex, long-standing health issues you should plan on 45-60 minutes for an initial evaluation. Acupuncture treatments require 30 minutes. Physical exams take from 30-60 minutes.

What is acupuncture like?
The vast majority of people find acupuncture fairly comfortable and often quite relaxing. There is a slight sensation as an acupuncture needle is inserted. However, unlike an injection needle with a hollow bore and cutting edge, or a sewing needle with a sharp point, an acupuncture needle is solid, barely thicker than a course hair, and has a point shaped like a pine needle allowing it to penetrate the skin easily without pricking.

How does acupuncture work?
According to Chinese medical theory, within the body are channels that distribute the vital energy called Qi. Like irrigation ditches, when these channels become clogged with silt, they need to be opened. Acupuncture is a way of dredging the channels to restore flow and balance. Scientifically, acupuncture has been demonstrated to: stimulate endorphin release, which promote relaxation and well-being; calm the deep structures of the brain (the limbic system), which regulates emotions, autonomic, and endocrine functions; and significantly decrease pain. For a more detailed discussion of acupuncture theory please see my article, Medicine at the Crossroads: Acupuncture as a Case in Point.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of problems which include both chronic and acute pain such as headaches, low back pain and sciatica; neurological disorders such as numbness and weakness; emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar illness, insomnia, and addictions. The World Health Organization lists 41 conditions for acupuncture treatment. In addition, acupuncture can be a great help to those who wish to wean themselves from a variety of drugs, both recreational and prescription.

Does the doctor use herbs or homeopathy?
Dr. Gottlieb does use some western herbs and supplements but does not prescribe Chinese herbs or homeopathy. Chinese herbal medicine is quite complex requiring many years of formal training and practical experience . In addition, some Chinese herbs have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals or even western pharmaceutical drugs.

What are Dr. Gottlieb's qualifications?
Please see About the Doctor .

How long will I need to be in treatment?
How many acupuncture treatments you require depends on the difficulty of the problem. Occasionally problems resolve after one or two treatments. However, for more long-standing health problems it may take 4 to 6 treatments to obtain a clear therapeutic effect. Ten acupuncture sessions constitutes a course of treatment and is sufficient for all but the most difficult problems.

What kind of self-help methods are used?
One of the most powerful self-help tools is Breathworks, a method of centering the breath in the pelvis with deep, slow breathing. Within one to two weeks, patients experience an enhanced sense of well-being and sustained relaxation throughout the day. As a result of effective centering through Breathworksthey often discover their tennis, golf, and other athletic pursuits improve, sometimes dramatically. Breathworks also provides a useful bridge to yoga and meditation. Please read What People Are Saying About Breathworks.

Do you provide any nutritional counseling?
In terms of importance, right after good breathing comes good nutrition. Advanced nutritional guidance is tailored to specific illnesses. Many patients find that Pureworks, a biochemical detoxification and elimination diet program, is the first step in freeing themselves from unhealthy eating habits, hidden food allergies, and a method of developing a trimmer, life-long relationship to food.

Does the doctor do counseling?
Dr. Gottlieb has developed an effective approach to anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties based on ancient meditative principles that penetrate quickly to the root of the issue. Individuals who have undergone conventional psychological therapies have found his methods to be both refreshing and successful.

Are phone consultations available?
Consultations by phone can be arranged. Although limited in scope, a phone consultation can be useful, especially for those who live at a distance.

Do you take insurance?
Dr. Gottlieb no longer takes insurance. Contractual agreements with insurance companies place a hidden third party in the exam room who dictate what treatments are allowed. By being independent of insurance companies, you can be confident that all treatment plans are decided by you and the doctor, not the insurance company. We will provide you with an invoice you can submit to your insurance company. Depending on your out-of-plan bennefits, you may receive reimbursements.

How much will a visit cost?
The cost of your visit will depend on the amount of time you spend with the doctor, which is billed in five minute increments plus the cost of any laboratory work. Please feel free to discuss with the office staff what would be an appropriate length of time for your visit and an estimation of cost.

What forms of payment do you take?
We accept cash, check, Visa or MasterCard, paid at the time of service.

Where are you located?
Please see Contact.