What Can I Expect On My First Visit?
The first treatment lasts about 90 minutes. After an in depth discussion about your health concerns and a physical examination, you will rest on a massage table with inserted needles for 20-30 minutes in order to allow the treatment to take effect. Certain conditions may call for other Chinese medical techniques such as tuina (Chinese medical massage), moxibustion (heat therapy), cupping and/or guasha (muscle releasing therapies). We will discuss these options with you if applicable. Prior to your first visit, you will receive an appointment confirmation with a link to fill out your health history form. Please use this link to complete your intake form. If you have any relevant blood tests, scans or other lab work, please bring them to your first appointment.
How Should I Prepare For My Treatment?
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Be sure to have eaten at least a light meal within a few hours before arriving.
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Avoid alcohol on the day of the treatment.
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Avoid over-eating immediately before treatment.
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Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated after treatment.
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For best results, avoid strenuous activity immediately following your appointment.
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Remember to keep good mental or written notes regarding your response to treatment. This information is helpful for you to track progress and to be able to communicate to your practitioner so that she can optimize care and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
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Please wear comfortable, loose fitted clothing
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If possible, please avoid wearing perfumes, strong scented lotions, oils or deodorant to your treatments.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments varies depending on the severity and duration of the condition and the strength of the patient. In general, acute conditions may be resolved in just a few treatments while chronic conditions take longer to treat. Most patients, however, report feeling changes immediately after just one treatment. Typically, weekly treatments are advised for 4-6 weeks, although some acute cases may require 2-3 treatments a week at the beginning of a course of treatment.
Acupuncture has a cumulative effect. Once symptoms improve, treatments are reduced to once every other week and eventually once a month to maintain health and prevent recurrence.
Will You Work With My Physician?
Chinese medicine can be utilized synergistically with Western medicine and other healthcare modalities. We are happy to work collaboratively with your doctor, reproductive endocrinologist, obstetrician, midwife, therapist, osteopath, chiropractor, nutritionist, massage therapist and/or other healthcare providers. We can also refer you to other providers we trust.
What Is Telemedicine?
Your Telemedicine (Online) Acupuncture appointment will focus on the traditional acupuncture points through the use of physical pressure with your hands rather than the insertion of acupuncture needles. This is commonly referred to as acupressure.
Acupressure utilizes the same points and medical theory as used in Traditional Acupuncture. Hands and fingers are used to apply steady pressure to specific points on the body. This pressure stimulates the nervous system, increases blood flow and regulates the body’s own energy which in turn helps us to function better as the body tries to heal itself.
Along with your symptoms subsiding, you will feel a peaceful nourishing relaxation similar to when you receive traditional acupuncture. Once you learn point locations appropriate for managing your symptoms, you’ll be able to stimulate them throughout the day for ongoing relief.
Traditional Acupuncture will have a deeper more permanent effect on your nervous system but acupressure is vital and beneficial to learn for your immune, physical, and mental health during this time of social distancing.