Your First Visit

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is wholistic, meaning that the person's entire state of health, and not just the symptoms that bring the patient to the office, are relevant. Symptoms are viewed as a result of an imbalance in the overall state of health, rather than arising spontaneously. For this reason, practitioners of TCM take the time to ask a lot of questions of the patient. For example, in our first appointment I'll ask about your quality of sleep, digestion, energy level, health history, diet, etc., in order to formulate a treatment plan (a series of treatments) that will bring your body back into balance again (alleviating symptoms). This is why the first visit takes 1.5 hours (follow-up visits are 1 hour). I will also feel the pulse on both wrists and look at your tongue. The feel of your pulse and the look of your tongue (you'd be amazed at the variations among patients!) give me more information about what is happening internally and, used together with your answers to my questions, confirm the diagnosis. All the information taken together enable me to make the decision as to what points to use and how many treatments it will take to get a good result.

What About those Needles!?

Consumer studies have determined that the main reason people don't go to an acupuncturist is that they're afraid of the needles. This reason is a result of the (mis)perception that acupuncture needles are like the needles used for shots, and will hurt. This could not be further from the truth. Acupuncture needles are thinner than a human hair, and most insertions are completely painless (you don't even know I've placed the needle). Sometimes there is a slight pinch if I needle a point in an area where the skin is thinner (the inside of the arm, as compared to the back). But even that sensation is very mild and only lasts a moment. Children all over China and Japan receive acupuncture every day, and have done so for two thousand years. It is a myth that acupuncture treatments are painful or uncomfortable. The truth is they are relaxing and restorative. I take my time during treatments, and go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I tell you exactly what I'm going to do, so you are never surprised or uncertain about what I am doing and why I'm doing it.

All needles are sterilized and disposable, used only once--on you. I follow all the protocols for the health and safety of my clients recommended by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and have passed the national exam for Clean Needle Technique.

Some people feel proud of themselves that they pushed past their fears and tried acupuncture; and they're glad they did! It is only the perceived fear that is the challenge here, not the actual treatment. If you would like to have a conversation with me about your concerns, please feel free to call.