WHAT TO EXPECT...

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT

  • Wear or bring loose fitting clothing to your appointment. Pants should roll comfortably above the knee, and shirts should roll comfortably above the elbow.

  • Please refrain from wearing artificial fragrances.

  • Eat a light meal or have a snack a couple of hours before your treatment.

  • Prior to your visit, you will receive a personal link via email to complete your intake forms online. If you do not have email, or wish to complete paper forms, may download them here...

  • Bring any pertinent medical records, lab results or imaging studies that relate to your condition.

  • You may find a map and directions here...

DURING YOUR TREATMENT

  • Your first visit will last approximately 90 minutes.

  • 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 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 best suits your condition.

  • If acupuncture is performed, you will rest with the needles in place for approximately 20 minutes.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

  • It is common to feel drowsy and relaxed after an acupuncture treatment, however some people report feeling more energized or euphoric. This is because acupuncture results in the release of endogenous opioids, cannabinoids and and other pain control substances secreted by our own body. 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, you may feel sore after your treatment or experience a transient flare in symptoms, which is typically followed by relief within 24-48 hours. Sometimes patients feel immediate relief, in which case discretion should be used when returning to activity to avoid re-injury.

  • After your treatment, we will discuss your care plan, which may include an herbal prescription, dietary, exercise or lifestyle recommendations that will maximize your progress at home. 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.