All Initial Office Visits for new patients will now be conducted via Telehhealth Platform so that we can meet face-to-face rather than mask-to-mask for the first time.
Prior to your Initial Office you’ll complete a comprehensive health history electronically.
It asks about your current concerns, your overall health, symptoms, lifestyle, along with your personal and family history.
We’ll review all of that information together via an Initial Virtual Office Visit.
During your first in-person visit, I will gather additional information from your pulse and tongue. This enables me to effectively diagnose the underlying causes of your symptoms and together we’ll create a well-structured treatment plan to meet your needs.
Once we have a plan, you can make yourself comfortable on the padded treatment table face-up. The most commonly used points are found below the elbows and knees so please wear loose, comfortable clothing. If additional points are needed fresh sheets are provided for your privacy and comfort.
The treatment itself involves the insertion of ultra-thin, sterilized, disposable needles into specific points on the body. There is usually little or no sensation upon insertion but later tingling or mild pressure may develop at the site or elsewhere. This is an opportunity for the body to enter a state of deep relaxation during the 10 to 20 minutes that the needles are in place. Most treatments also include a back treatment, so the needles will be removed and you can make yourself comfortable face-down using a face cradle. Then a second series of needles are placed and you may rest again.
The practice of acupuncture includes several related therapies such as cupping or Gwa Sha, cupping (without or without herbal Liniment) and/or moxabustion or other warming therapy. I may use one or more of these options during your session to augment or substitute for the acupuncture needles themselves. East Asian nutritional and lifestyle advise and therapeutic exercises may also be offered during your course of care.
During subsequent visits we’ll make note of the changes since your last treatment and then proceed with your treatment as above. I employ a holistic and integrative approach, combining efforts with other health care professionals in a way that puts you at the center of your care.