New Patient Information
What to expect at your visit
Wear loose clothing, preferably with a separate top and bottom, to allow the Practitioner to easily access your acupuncture points. Try to make sure you have eaten during the day and you are hydrated.
Your first visit will take approximately 1 1/2 hours. If you have not already done so, you will be asked to complete several forms, including the Heath History Questionnaire, the Informed Consent Form and the Patient Privacy Policy. The Practitioner will go through the Health History Questionnaire with you and discuss the reason(s) for your visit. You will be asked a series of questions about your health and any symptoms you are experiencing. Some of these questions may seem strange. However acupuncture is a holistic process, which means that everything about your body is considered when developing your individualized treatment plan. Subsequent visits will usually last an hour.
You will be asked to lie on the treatment table and the Practitioner will take your pulses and look at your tongue. Please do not scrape or clean your tongue before your visit. The look of your tongue and its coating helps to establish an accurate diagnosis.
The Practitioner will consider your health history, symptoms and the information gathered during the examination to determine an appropriate treatment plan. This will be done in consultation with you, explaining all the procedures, any precautions and will take into consideration your level of comfort with the type of procedure. There are usually several ways in which treatment can be applied. For treatment details, see the Clinical Services page.
The Practitioner will begin your treatment. Many acupuncture points can be accessed without removing any clothing, although you may be asked to roll up your sleeves or pants legs. Some treatments are performed on the back, and in this case you may be asked to remove your top. If you are uncomfortable with any procedure, let the Practitioner know immediately. Because of the holistic nature of acupuncture, there is usually a number of different ways that treatment can be applied.
Needles, cups or E-stim are usually left in place for 10-20 minutes, so you will be asked to relax and enjoy some soothing music while your treatment progresses. The Practitioner may leave the room or may apply additional treatments, such as moxa or a heat lamp, during this time. Acupressure, gua sha (friction stroking) or tui na (massage) may be used in place of, or in addition to, acupuncture.
After 10-20 minutes, the needles and/or cups will be removed and you are almost ready to leave. Take your time getting up from the treatment table. While the treatment itself is gentle, the effect on your body can be quite powerful. Some people may feel a little lightheaded for a minute or their body can have a feeling of heaviness. Take a moment to adjust and ask for a glass of water, if necessary.
Some treatments, especially cupping, E-stim and gua sha may provide immediate benefits, especially for muscular problems. Other treatments may take several hours or more to fully notice the effects. Take note of how you feel for the first 24-48 hours after your treatment. Your response to treatment will help the Practitioner refine your treatment plan for maximum effectiveness.
Please take it easy after a treatment. If possible, go home and rest, and especially avoid any strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Acupuncture works by moving your Vital Energy (Qi pronounced chee) from a state of imbalance (unwell) to state of balance (wellness). Your body needs to adapt to this change and will do so best if well nourished and rested. How many times has a doctor said "go home and get some rest"? Rest is a universal prescription for the healing process.
Some treatments may leave marks or blemishes, especially cupping and gua sha. These blemishes are not bruising and are not painful. They usually fade within several hours to a day.
You may be asked to schedule a follow-up appointment. The interval between treatments will depend on your condition and response to treatment.
Please do not hesitate to discuss your treatment with the Practitioner. You know your body best, what you are experiencing and your response to treatment. Unlike conventional Western medicine, in acupuncture "one size DOES NOT fit all". Any treatment plan focuses on you as an individual, rather than treating you like a symptom.
Patient Forms
The Health History Questionnaire is a PDF form that can be printed and filled in by hand. Please bring the completed Questionnaire with you on your first visit.
Also please bring a list of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and other supplements you are taking.
This form requires Adobe Acrobat to open and/or complete.
If you cannot open or complete the form, paper copies are available. Please arrive 20 minutes early for your appointment to allow time to read and complete the form.
