Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture

  • Yes! We are in network with the following insurance companies: Aetna, Anthem (BCBS), ASH / Cigna, Connecticare, Medicaid (Husky), Meritain Health, United Healthcare, WebTPA and those insured through the VA. We also are able to accept Worker’s Comp or Auto Accident cases.

    Of course, every insurance plan offers different benefits. Even if we are in network with your insurance company, we can't guarantee you'll be covered. We recommend calling your insurance company to ask if your plan offers acupuncture benefits.

    PLEASE NOTE: Dr. Karolina Zagaja is the only acupuncture provider accepting new Cigna patients. Maura Emerick, L.Ac is the only acupuncture provider accepting new Husky (Medicaid) patients. If you have either of these insurances, please book accordingly.

  • Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions and symptoms. Pain and chronic pain are the most common issues treated by Acupuncture, due to the plethora of studies published on it's successful results, but treatments can aid in all sorts of conditions. To list a few...

    • Gastrointestinal conditions including but not limited to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), gut biome imbalances, Crohn's disease, and acid reflux.

    • Chronic conditions including but not limited to Arthritis, fibromyalgia symptoms, asthma, migraines, nerve conditions, and chronic pain.

    • Hormonal imbalances including but not limited to Fertility, Endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, hypothyroidism, menstrual irregularities, painful periods, menopausal symptoms, and sperm quality.

    • Pain symptoms stemming from menstrual cramps, cancer treatments, sports injuries, pregnancy discomfort, and many others.

    • Mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

  • We have a fun fact we like to tell our patients who might be nervous of needles or the pain involved with Acupuncture : over 50 Acupuncture needles can fit inside the head of one butterfly needle (the most common needle for drawing blood). Depending on the area of insertion and sensitivity of the body, you may feel a small pinch, or you may feel nothing at all!

  • Well, it depends on a number of determining factors. Your level of pain or discomfort, how aggressively you'd like to treat your condition, your insurance coverage / budget, your body's overall health, and other initial examination conclusions all influence our recommended treatment plan.

    Some patients notice improvement after just a few visits, but some take longer to respond. We typically recommend coming in weekly to start and we adjust your treatment plan as we work together and get to know you body and your needs better.

  • Depending on the conditions we are treating, we may explore additional modalities during your treatment to ensure the best possible results. These modalities can include electric stimulation, cupping therapy, or herbal supplement recommendations.

    Electric stimulation, often referred to as E-stim, is done by applying small electrical nodes to inserted acupuncture needles to allow electricity to flow within the affected muscles. It may cause a slight tingling effect for the first few minutes, but should feel normal by the 10 minute mark.

    Cupping therapy is a direct descendent of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in which small "cups" are placed on oiled skin over large muscles. Using either heat or manual manipulation, suction is created to bring the skin into the cups. There is a feeling of tightness for the first minute or two, but this feeling should not last long. The suction of the cups allows for increased bloodflow to the affected area, allowing for faster healing. This modality often results in circular bruising that lasts anywhere from 3-7 days.

    Traditional Chinese Herbs are used by our practice as an alternative to Western pharmaceuticals for patients who are interested.

  • Your first appointment will be between 60 and 90 minutes. We ask all of our patients to arrive 10-15 minutes early to their first appointment to verify insurance benefits and fill out any necessary policy agreements. Once you have been taken into your treatment room, your practitioner will have a 10-20 minute conversation with you to discuss the conditions or symptoms you are hoping to treat, as well as assessing your body's general health by looking at your tongue and asking about your sleep habits, among other things. After this assessment, you will receive your Acupuncture treatment, and should expect to be on the table for 45-60 minutes.

  • We advise all of our patients to wear something comfortable to their appointments. Ideally, your apparel will allow for access to the area of the body we are treating. However, we understand life can get in the way, and you may be coming from work or unable to wear shorts or a tank top due to weather. We have prepared for moments like this! We offer fabric drapes and other amenities for patients that are unable to wear appropriate attire to their appointment. So, don't stress about it too much!

  • The most important thing patients should do prior to each of their appointments is make sure they are hydrated and have had something to eat beforehand. This can be as small as a granola bar or cup of fruit if you have an early appointment. This allows your body to be optimally primed to process the endorphins and natural healing chemicals released during your treatment.

    After your treatment, it is important to stay hydrated for the remainder of the day. If possible, try not to plan anything physically exacerbating for the few hours following your treatment. Part of the success of your treatment is influenced by how relaxed your body is, and keeping yourself relaxed can help your body process the treatment more seamlessly.

Naturopathy

  • Yes! Dr. Sabrina Seeram in network with the following insurance companies: Aetna, Anthem (BCBS), ASH / Cigna, Connecticare, Medicaid (Husky), Meritain Health, United Healthcare, WebTPA and those insured through the VA.

    Of course, every insurance plan offers different benefits. Even if we are in network with your insurance company, we can't guarantee you'll be covered. We recommend calling your insurance company to ask if your plan offers naturopathic benefits as a part of your specialist office visit benefits.

  • Your first naturopathic visit will be scheduled for 1 hour. Dr. Sabrina will perform a thorough exam of your body, including vitals and a physical exam. She will then ask you a range of questions to determine your internal health, including (but not limited to!) your sleeping & eating habits, past medical history, family medical history, and any ongoing or outstanding health concerns. Finally, Dr. Sabrina will ask you if you have any outstanding concerns. This is the time to ask any questions you may have! Remember - Dr. Sabrina is here to be your health detective and advocate. No question is too small!

  • Dr. Sabrina will most likely send you for bloodwork after your initial visit. The tests ordered will be based off of the results of your exam, any outstanding concerns you mentioned during your visit, or any concerning habits noted.

    After you get your bloodwork done, your results will be automatically sent to Herba and you will schedule your first follow up naturopathic visit.

  • Actually, yes! Your first follow up naturopathic visit will be longer than subsequent “regular” follow ups.

    Your first follow up visit, scheduled for 45 minutes, is where Dr. Sabrina will evaluate and review the results of your bloodwork with you, and determine what supplements, vitamins, or lifestyle changes should be added to your routine to discover the healthiest you there is! Additional in-depth tests may also be ordered at this appointment if any lab results were inconclusive or concerning. You will once again have the opportunity to ask Dr. Sabrina any questions that may have arisen after your initial visit.

    “Regular” follow up appointments (any follow up appointment after the first one) are primarily used for maintenance. These 30 minute appointments are designed to check in with you on how your symptoms are progressing or additional concerns you may have. If needed, Dr. Sabrina will make changes to your treatment plan. She may also re-run labs to check progress, or to focus on new concerns.

  • Dr. Sabrina has availability for TeleHealth Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is only in-office on Saturdays.

    Every provider on the Herba team will always prefer to see patients in person for their first visit, as physical examinations and vitals are unable to be performed via TeleHealth. However, we understand that not everyone is able to come in to the doctor’s office on a Saturday, and we are happy to accommodate most new patients that are interested in TeleHealth appointments.

    There is no preference for follow up appointments being in-office or TeleHealth - whatever is easiest for you!

  • Nope! Dr. Sabrina will recommend vitamins and supplements based off of the thorough exam performed during your initial visit, along with the results of your labs. These recommendations will be based off of Dr. Sabrina’s expertise, and may even be an integral piece of your treatment plan. However, you will never be required to purchase any supplements or vitamins from us. Our goal at Herba is to give our patients the tools they need to discover a healthier, revitalized version of themselves.