New Patients

What can I expect during a visit?

The initial treatment will last about 1 1/2 hours. This will involve a complete health history and discussions of your symptoms, health and lifestyle. The practitioner will then take your pulse, look at your tongue, and palpate your abdomen. All of these components will help your practitioner to understand a complete picture of your health and to diagnose your pattern. You will then receive a complete acupuncture treatment.

Follow up visits will last about approximately 1 hour. The questioning period will be much briefer just to assess your progress and current condition. As you rest comfortably on a treatment table, needles will be inserted and retained for up to 40 minutes.

How can I prepare for my visit?

Please download and complete our intial intake forms. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. If you do not have a chance to do this beforehand forms are available at the office.

Wear loose comfortable clothing. Sheets are always available if tight clothing needs to be removed.

Eat a light meal or snack a few hours before your appointment. Please do not come on an empty stomach. Please abstain from alcohol and recreational drugs before your appointment.

The tongue is an important part of Chinese medical diagnosis. Please do not brush or scrape your tongue before a visit. It is best to avoid any staining foods or beverage a few hours before your visit, such as coffee, tea, or hard candies.

Be prepared to relax during your treatment. Cell phones should remain turned off during your treatment.

 

Susan Shaver, Licensed Acupuncturist