Preparing for Your Appointment

In this section you will find information on your role in the healing process. We believe strongly in educating our clients and equipping them with the tools to sustain their health independently whenever possible. The more you become involved with your health and responsible for your body, the better you will feel.

Before Your First Visit

Spend some time thinking about what your goals are for your acupuncture treatment. What are your expectations? What questions or concerns do you have about acupuncture? Jot down a few notes to bring with you to your first visit. The more openly we can communicate, the better we can help you.

If you have several conditions or symptoms you would like to address, please rank them. On your first visit, you will be asked primarily about your chief complaint. Secondary issues will also be noted and addressed as treatment progresses.

Start noticing how you feel each day and make a few notes. With respect to your chief complaint, try to answer these questions:

·         When did this condition first appear?  Were there any major changes or events in you life just prior to its onset?

·         Is this a new condition or a recurring illness?

·         What brought it on? What triggers it?

·         Is your condition getting worse?

·         To what degree does it interfere with your daily routine, work or sleep?

·         What makes it better? What makes it worse?

·         What time of day does it bother you the most? the least?

Be as descriptive and specific as possible. Oriental medicine recognizes subtle distinctions in different types of pain. Dull pain is not the same as pain that has a stabbing sensation. Listed below are some words you might use to distinguish your particular pain.

·         Sharp

·         Dull and achy

·         Stabbing

·         Pounding / Throbbing

·         Tight

·         Burning

·         Radiating / Shooting

·         Numb

·         Pins & needles

·         Constant

·         Intermittent

If none of these are appropriate, try coming up with your own words to describe what you are feeling.

On the Day of Your Appointment

The following suggestions are provided to help you have a safe and relaxing experience with acupuncture. If you have any questions, please contact me prior to your first visit.

Bring a list of current medications.

Eat a light meal 2 hours prior to your visit. Receiving acupuncture on an empty or over-full stomach can increases the risk of nausea or dizziness

Avoid alcohol on the day of your treatment. Acupuncture is not performed on intoxicated individuals due to the increased risk of shock. It is also not advisable to become intoxicated shortly after treatment.

Avoid heavy exertion immediately before and after treatment (i.e. within 2 hours). Physical strain immediately before or after acupuncture can decrease the effectiveness of your treatment.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up to your elbows or knees. Acupuncture points are located all over the body. Many of the acupuncture points that are commonly used are located between the wrists and elbows, and the ankles and knees. You will be more comfortable if your clothing can be easily rolled up to your elbows and knees. Women should not wear one-piece dresses.

Set aside enough time so that you are not rushing to and from your visit.

Be on time for your appointment so that you may benefit fully. When you make an appointment, please understand that time has been reserved for you. There will be a charge for missed appointments without 24 hours notice.