Spring Newsletter: Info and Updates

Spring is in the air. Sensed between the falling snow and rain, seen in the green bulbs emerging from the hard ground, and in the return of the song birds, ducks, and geese to the woods. Felt in the stirring and lifting of energy, motivation. One of my favorite seasons. An unfolding from the cold and constriction of winter; a deep breath in, expanding fully in inhalation. Then in an exhale, returning to our core and foundation a little more balanced and peaceful. The yin and yang are most evident in these shoulder seasons and remind us of these qualities within ourselves. The natural balance of life in the turning of the seasons. Breath in. Breath out.. 

Experience Acupuncture at SNFW                

Qi Chinese Positive Energy

What is acupuncture and what does it do?
Acupuncture is a way of treating illness by inserting fine needles into the skin and deeper subcutaneous and muscle tissues.  The needles are inserted at various specific anatomical points which run along meridians.  There are about 500 acupuncture points all over the body, each with a different effect.  Meridians are paths of energy that flow from the internal organs to the extremities or from the extremities to the internal organs.  Various points along these meridians have a multitude of effects to the body.  The goal is to use the points to bring the body’s energies and organs back into balance.  For example, pain is often associated with a blockage in one of the meridians, like a dam in a river.  The blockage elicits pain and discomfort, stiffness and coagulation of energy.  Inserting acupuncture needles helps to break the dam, releasing the flow of energy which causes the pain to decrease.    

Acupuncture has many applications and is not limited to just treating pain.  In fact, acupuncture is used to treat all imbalances or diseases in the body, mind, and spirit.  Just as their may be physical pain that is helped by acupuncture, emotional pain too be eased by improving and balancing the flow of energy throughout the body.  Recent studies have shown that acupuncture is very effective in treating PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), high blood pressure, infertility, chronic fatigue, depression, irritable bowel disorder, reflux and is even as a method for anesthesia during surgery just to name a few!  Dr. Devoe also utilizes acupuncture for effective assistance with smoking cessation and for facial rejuvenation. 

Frequently Asked Questions:  

Does it hurt?  What are the risks?

The answer is that yes, it does hurt sometimes but most of the time it does not.  Often times the patient does not feel the needle insertion at all.  Some people get a small bruise from the needle, but this occurs about 5% of the time.  You may also have some bleeding from the points, but usually just a small drop.  The most common side effect is relaxation during treatment.  

What is a treatment like?

It is best if you wear comfortable clothing, like sweat pants and a baggy shirt to be able to roll up sleeves and pants to elbow and knee height.  Treatment is given on a massage table, you may be lying face up or face down.  Seated acupuncture can also be done for patients who do not feel comfortable lying down.  After an intake of your current state of health which may last anywhere from 5-20 minutes, Dr. DeVoe will look at your tongue and feel your pulse to aid in the choosing of the most effective acupuncture points for you.  Every treatment is individualized to the patients needs.  After the needles are inserted, the treatment lasts about 20-30 minutes with a check-in mid treatment to make sure you are feeling comfortable.  Needles are generally inserted in the legs, arms, back, ears, face and scalp.  The total follow up appointment time is about 1 hour, the first appointment may be un to 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the 
case.  

But I’m afraid of needles! What happens then?

Dr. DeVoe is very sensitive to your needs and will only do as much as you are comfortable.  There are many different insertion techniques which decrease potential discomfort.  

How much does it cost at SNFW?

For patients with insurance the cost is your Copay amount + $35.00.  
For patients without insurance the cost is $205.00 for first office acupuncture visit and $75.00 for 
return acupuncture visits. We also offer financial hardship plans for qualified individuals and families. 

Where did Dr. DeVoe receive her training?

She was trained as a Naturopathic Doctor and Master of Acupuncture at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut where she received the prestigious Golden Needle Award from the Dean of the Acupuncture Institute for demonstrating expertise in technique, treatment and patient care upon her graduation.  

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Office Updates and News

1. MEDICAID: Many of you may have received confusing letters or calls from Medicaid in recent weeks regarding the automatic switching of your primary care physician. Having recently been made aware of this issue, we have been in daily communication with our Medicaid contact to work to determine the root of this issue and work to resolve it. It was discovered that renewal applications sent in for our providers were simply forgotten and not processed; an unfortunately large oversight on behalf of Medicaid, which has led to much confusion and stress for all of us. Unfortunately, we were not notified of this when the physicians were taken off the panel and some time elapsed. Since we have now identified the problem, you will now be receiving phone calls from HP Enterprise (a third party entity of Medicaid) to inform you of this oversight by Medicaid, and offer to assist you in switching back to your desired primary care provider.  
To prevent this from happening again, we have been assured that there will be One contact person at Medicaid who will see the processing of renewal applications through to its end and confirm with us that they have been processed accurately. 

2. First Line Therapy Program (FLT): A lifestyle medicine/weight loss program.   We have had wonderful feedback from those of you participating in the program! Weight loss, more energy, less brain fog, fewer symptoms in general; these are some of the results we have collectively achieved with participants. We truly feel that everyone can benefit from this program whether you want to lose weight, maintain your current weight, prevent chronic disease, or just feel better in your life! 
What sets it aside from typical weight loss programs is that it isn't all about weight! There are so many other factors that influence our health. Do you have barriers to achieving the goals you want in life? Would you benefit from having a plan created with you, support and accountability? Then this is the program for you.
In addition to the holistic approach, what I love about the program is the utilization of the bioelectrical impedance machine which tells you your total body fat, lean tissue, and hydration status. This such an amazing tool, used to track progress along your way. Weight is not a complete picture! Come find out what you are really made of! 

​We are currently offering an exciting one-time sign up deal for the first 10 people to call and schedule their initial FLT intake visit!  Just mention this newsletter and receive 15% off the initial FLT package which includes: 3 Bioelectrical impedance analysis readings, the Firstline therapy workbook and guide, the Firstline therapy cookbook, and 1 tub of high quality medical food powder.  An amazing value in return for assistance in taking those first steps toward better health. 
Click below to learn more and call the office to sign up today!!  (802) 253-2340

First Line therapy

3. Spring detoxification; it's that time of the year again. We will be offering group sessions on detox strategies but would like to hear from you about what days and times work best for you!!  When we set a date(s), we will post a sign-up sheet at the front desk. Sessions will initially be held at our Stowe location and free samples of supplements/bars/shakes will be provided! Detoxing is more fun with company, friends, and support!  We look forward to hearing back from you about your interest.

4. Medical Home recognition: We've been busily working towards another recognition this spring. Three years ago, we achieved medical home status at a level 1. We were the first naturopathic clinic in the entire United States to achieve this recognition! Because we were using paper charts, we were not able to complete some of the tasks required for higher level recognition but we were happy to pass nonetheless. Now that we have evolved to using an electronic record, we are hoping to step up our level to the highest level 3!  

Please share this newsletter with your friends and family or anyone whom you feel would benefit from this information. If there is any other topic you would like us to address in future newsletters, please share with us! 

In Health,

​SNFW Practitioners and Staff

Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun,
​and we shall soon see the results of their love!     ~Sitting Bull

Was he talking about maple syrup??