My constant aim is to help you have a safe and relaxing experience with acupuncture or any other technique that you choose, while under my care. In order to make the most of it, I recommend that all new patients review the following information.
I look forward to meeting with you, and helping you discover the health and well being benefits of our Ancient Chinese Techniques!
Your First Visit
Stage 1: Patient Discovery
Your first visit will begin with an in-depth assessment of your condition and an initial treatment. The intake and treatment may take up to one hours, depending on your condition. Typical follow-up treatments last approximately 45-50 minutes.
During the assessment, you may be asked about things that you might not think are connected to your primary complaint, such as your emotions, sleep patterns, and eating habits. Chinese medicine considers the whole person, not just one isolated symptom. When put together, the myriad of symptoms and signs you are experiencing reveal patterns of disharmony. Although treatment will focus on your primary complaint, your whole being must be considered in order to develop the most appropriate course of treatment.
Stage 2: Treatment Recommendations
In general, acute conditions may only require two or three treatments. Chronic conditions usually require more treatments. Two to three time visits a week is suggested after the initial treatment in order to find relief. It is normal that your relief may plateau after the initial few treatments. It is important to follow through on the treatments. The more consistent you are, the better the likelihood of results. With your persistence, you will find your recovery is remarkable.
Stage 3: Treatment Administration
Our interaction begins with an overview of how you’ve been feeling since your last visit and then a brief massage to loosen the area being treated.
Needles are typically retained for about 30 minutes and every patient has different sensations. You may feel sore, numbness, warmth or swelling; but many feel relaxed when the needle is inserted beneath their skin. Most doctors commonly use eight to ten needles during treatment. Some times more than 20 needles will be inserted, if a patient comes in with multiple symptoms at the same time. In addition to acupuncture, treatments may also include tui na, gua sha, cupping, heat therapy, herbal prescriptions, and diet and lifestyle advice.
Individual response to treatment varies. It is typical that a patient finds relief after the first treatment. It can be a few hours later or the next day. The relief may last for a few hours on the first visit and then last longer with each subsequent treatment.
Stage 4: Follow-Up Recommendations
Acupuncture is designed to address acute conditions and to serve as a complement to any other health related solutions that you have decided to take advantage of. Part of my responsibility as a complementary health care specialist is offering additional recommendations that may benefit your health. This may entail setting up a follow-up appointment, recommending herbal supplements, or simple coaching on relaxation & meditation techniques.
Side Effects
Side effects are rare, but may include the following: feeling lightheaded, dizziness, sleepiness, euphoria, nausea, slight bruising, and residual muscle aches. Any of these side effects should only last a short time. Staying hydrated after your treatment will help to minimize these side effects, as will resting after your treatment. Any side effects should be reported at your next visit.
On rare occasions, one’s original symptoms may briefly get worse, or “flare-up,” after a treatment. It usually indicates your body’s quick response to my needle’s wake up call. A body must fully expel a pathogen in order for healing to occur. A flare-up typically occurs later on in the day of your treatment and should only last for a few hours. After a flare-up, your symptoms should begin to improve.
Before Your First Visit
Stepping into the world of alternative medicine does not mean that we outright disregard conventional medicine. Quite the contrary, actually. It is important to be aware of how your current medicines may affect your treatment while under my care.
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Fill out New Patient Forms & bring them with you to expedite the discovery process
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Bring a list of current medications you are taking, including any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. * Please bring any lab or medical reports relevant to your condition. -
Eat a light meal a few hours prior to your visit. Acupuncture is not performed on individuals who are fasting. Being overly hungry increases the risk of nausea or dizziness. At the same time, please do not overeat or eat foods that may cause upset stomach.
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Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Acupuncture points are located all over the body. Many commonly used acupuncture points are located between the wrists, elbows, ankles and knees. You will be more comfortable if your clothing can be easily rolled up to your elbows and knees.
New Patient Forms
New Patient Health History Form
One of the most important factors in understanding the health condition that complementary medicine can help you overcome is knowing what special circumstances apply to the very unique YOU. Knowing your history will help me make better, relevant recommendations that will make your life easier.
Patient Information Sheet
What questions, concerns, goals, regarding wellness can I help you with? Are you suffering from a specific ailment? I want to know what you’ve already tried, and how that has worked for you so far. Are you interested in a particular treatment aside from acupuncture? Every person that I work on brings their own curiosity to the table and that curiosity is what helps me best serve you…so let me know.
New Patient Consent Form
All patients under my treatment must sign a voluntary consent form agreeing that they have disclosed all potentially relevant health information, to the best of their knowledge, and that any treatment undertaken has been administered with their consent. Please print this form out and bring it in. I look forward to offering all of our new patients a rewarding experience!