Understanding Your First Visit

“Pain is only the symptom of what’s really going on. The origination of the pain usually stems from a different place or issue."

The First Visit

We begin the process with an intake form so I can get an accurate picture of your current issues, any past illnesses, and health history. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses all facets of a person's life to formulate a healing plan. Next we:

1. Discuss a treatment plan.
2. I’ll take the pluses on your wrist which tells me what may be going on at a deeper level.
3. I will ask to see your tongue which gives me a view your internal health.
4. You then lie comfortably on the table either face down or face up depending on treatment plan for the day.
5. If cupping is part of the treatment this will be done first on your back area. Cupping lasts about 10-15 minutes.
6. Then the acupuncture treatment begins which many people report feels like a small pinch or nothing at all.
7. You are then left to rest and relax for about 20-30 minutes. Many patients drip off into light sleep during this time.
8. If needed, I might add a brief massage on your legs or arms at the end of the session.

The Acupuncture Experience

Because acupuncture needles are flexible and thin as a hair you basically will not feel them when placed on energy points throughout your body. Some sensations people have are pressure, or heaviness or a small pinch to the skin. Overall the feeling is one of stuck energy moving that elicits relaxation and a state of calmness and clarity.

Treatment Journey

Like many healing modalities, acupuncture benefits are seen over a period of time. Almost everyone reports feeling relief after one session, while multiple sessions are needed for chronic conditions to see lasting deep-level change. An estimated treatment journey can look for one-a-week therapy for 8-10 weeks (2x’s a week if you feel like moving at a quicker pace). And then maintenance and preventative treatments are planned on an as-needed basis.

Acupuncture Safety

The National Institutes of Health which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reports that millions of American use acupuncture services on a regular basis. As a licensed acupuncturist, I am required to take training on Clean Needle Technique and as required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles. I have been certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and am licensed by the State of California.