WHAT TO EXPECT…
BEFORE
Please wear or bring loose fitting clothing to your appointment. Pants should roll comfortably above the knee, and shirts should roll comfortably above the elbow.
Eat a light meal or have a snack before your treatment. We want to avoid an empty or over full stomach.
Bring any pertinent medical records, medication lists, lab results or imaging studies that relate to your condition.
DURING
Your first visit will last approximately 90 minutes. This allows enough time to listen to your health concerns, create an effective treatment plan and provide a treatment.
Follow-up visits will last approximately one hour.
Your first visit will include a detailed discussion about your health concerns as well as your past medical history. Each follow-up visit will begin with an intake and physical exam as needed to assess your current condition, and evaluate any changes throughout the duration of treatment. Part of Chinese medical diagnosis also includes evaluation of the tongue and pulse.
After the intake, we will discuss your treatment plan, which may include any combination of TCM modalities that are most suitable.
If acupuncture is performed, you will rest with the needles in place for approximately 20-35 minutes. Although some points are more sensitive than others, patients usually feel little to no sensation or discomfort. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing and many meditate or sleep.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs are an essential part of the treatment. If I think it would be beneficial for you, I will ask if you are interested in receiving herbs.
At the end of your rest the pins will be removed. I will explain how to take the herbs. I may also give dietary recommendations and will propose a treatment plan.
AFTER
It is quite common to feel drowsy and relaxed after an acupuncture treatment, however some may feel more energized or euphoric. This is due to the release of endogenous opioids, cannabinoids and and other pain control substances secreted by our own body during acupuncture. It also influences serotonin and noradrenalin secretion, along with other hormones such as oxytocin and vasopressin.
If you are being treated for a musculoskeletal condition with acupuncture or other manual therapies (such as gua sha, cupping or tuina) you may feel sore after your treatment or experience a transient flare in symptoms. This will pass and is typically followed by relief within 24 hours. Sometimes patients feel immediate relief, in which case discretion should be used when returning to activity to avoid re-injury. If you have any questions or concerns at anytime, please feel free to call.
After your treatment, we will discuss your care plan, which may include an herbal prescription, dietary, exercise or lifestyle recommendations that will maximize your overall progress. Any subsequent, or follow-up visits will also be discussed.
An average trial course of acupuncture may include anywhere between 4-8 visits, depending on your response to treatment and your duration or severity of symptoms.
FIRST VISIT FORMS
Before getting started we will need you to fill out a few forms before your appointment.
If you are planning on using insurance, we’ve provided a list of questions here to ask your health insurance company when inquiring about acupuncture benefits.
You will receive a link to the intake forms after you schedule your appointment. If you’re not able to fill them out beforehand, please arrive 15 minutes before your initial treatment so that you have time to fill out all the necessary paper work.