New Patients

Please print and fill out the New Patient Form and bring it to your first visit.

Below are all the resources you might need to help you, my new patient, feel ready and comfortable for your first visit.

What Should I expect during and after treatment? 
There is no reason to be nervous on your first visit as everything will be explained to you before treatment begins.  I will go through your health concerns with you directly; taking a full health history.  Your responses, along with your pulse and the observation of your tongue will help to develop a treatment plan that will be discussed before acupuncture begins.  The most common adverse side-effects are small bruises and light-headedness after treatment. Depending on your condition, herbs may be prescribed along with health recommendations.   I recommend wearing loose fitting clothes to appointments.

When will I see health improvements?
Health improvements have been reported in as quickly as one or two visits.  Others may need multiple treatments in order to see favorable results.  Chronic conditions often are much more difficult to treat.  Acute conditions, on the other hand, respond really well to acupuncture and may have results immediately.  A typical course of treatment is 6-8 visits, with results showing within the first few.  The frequency of visits and the duration of treatments will depend on your health condition; as every BODY is so unique!

Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture should not be a painful experience.  The needles are much smaller and thinner than a hypodermic needle and when inserted correctly do not cause pain.  When the needle reaches the “qi”, many people describe a tingling sensation at that point or a dull aching sensation. Most patients actually feel very relaxed during and after treatment and report a much nicer experience than they initially expected!

Are acupuncture needles safe?
One of the most common concerns patients have is about the safety of acupuncture needles. The laws require that all acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable and of a single-use. Used needles are disposed of in a medical waste container.

What conditions can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treat?
According to the World Health Organization, an agency that directs and coordinates international health within the United Nations’ system, lists the following diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has proven to be an effective treatment:

Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
Biliary colic
Depression
Dysentery
Epigastralgia
Facial pain
Headache
Hypertension, essentialHypotension, primary
Induction of labour
Knee pain
Leukopenia
Low back pain
Malposition of fetus
Correction of Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting
Neck pain
Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)
Periarthritis of shoulder
Postoperative pain
Renal colic
Rheumatoid arthritis

See Page. 23 at this link to read a full list: http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/pdf/s4926e/s4926e.pdf

Do you take health insurance?
This office does not bill insurance at this time, however, a super bill will be provided upon request.  This will allow you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.  Payment for services rendered is due in full at the conclusion of each visit.  Currently, cash and credit are accepted.

Is there a cancellation fee?
I understand that situations occur and you can not always keep your appointment.  If you anticipate missing your scheduled appointment, please let me know as soon as possible.  I ask for a minimum notice of 24 hours in advance.  You may be charged for a missed appointment or cancellation if less than 24 hours notice is given.