“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
– Lao-tzu
Please bring your completed new patient forms to your first appointment. (Forms are available under the New Patient tab.)
If you are unable to complete the forms beforehand, please arrive 20 minutes early to fill out the necessary paperwork.
What To Expect
Initial private visits generally last 50 minutes. Your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history, perform a physical exam, and provide you with your unique treatment plan.
During your first exam, your acupuncturist will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, exercise, sleep habits, emotional states and anything that may offer insight into your health.
Your practitioner will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and TCM such as tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Your treatment plan
Once your acupuncturist has gathered enough information, you’ll receive a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain:
- Your underlying imbalances
- Your timeline of care
- What types of treatment you will receive
Getting the most out of treatment
For the best treatment results, keep a few things in mind:
- Please show up on time
- Don’t eat a large meal before your visit
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes
- Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your acupuncturist
- Refrain from overexertion, drugs or alcohol for at least six hours after treatment
- Follow your treatment plan between visits
- Keep all of your appointments, as each visit builds upon the previous ones
How treatment works
To treat any Qi imbalances, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific acupuncture points along the meridian pathways. Your acupuncturist will concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs, based on your unique issues and symptoms.
Your acupuncturist may include other related therapies in your treatment plan, such as cupping, Gua sha or electrical stimulation. Herbal remedies are another important aspect of acupuncture and TCM, and it is important to understand and follow your practitioner’s directions in order to get the most benefit from these treatments.
Your Role in the Healing Process
Your active participation is essential to your treatment’s success. Focusing on your health and committing to a balanced lifestyle are some of the most important steps you can take for your well-being.
Together, you and your acupuncturist will work to restore balance and heal your body’s imbalances. Even after your symptoms improve, ongoing acupuncture treatments can help maintain your health and may prevent future issues.
The more you incorporate acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine into your life, the better you’ll understand how to nurture your body, mind, and spirit for lasting wellness.
Acupuncture Is Not an Instant Fix
True healing requires time and commitment. Depending on your health and symptoms, you might feel relief immediately—or you may need treatments over weeks, months, or even years to achieve your desired results. Your acupuncturist will help you understand what to expect along the way.
With patience and an open mind, you’ll be on the path to renewed health and vitality.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer a safe, effective, and natural healthful approach that can both relieve symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
By taking these steps and nurturing your health, you’re planting the seeds for a stronger, healthier you!
