FAQ

What to expect

Initial treatments begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your current health.  We will discuss your healthcare goals and a treatment plan, which may include acupuncture, herbs, and changes for your diet and lifestyle. You have options for the length of each visit! 

You can download the initial paperwork here. Please bring it completed to your first visit.  If you have lab results or are currently using supplements or medications, please bring those to the first appointment, as well.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and be sure to eat something before your appointment, even if it’s a light snack.  Healing takes energy, so feed your cells well!

FAQ

Does it hurt?  No. Needles are tiny- comparable to the width of hair.  A heavy or dull sensation indicates that the body’s healing power has been activated.  I work with each individual to provide a comfortable but therapeutic treatment.

Is acupuncture safe? Yes.  Needles are pre-packaged and sterile, and only used once.  Acupuncture is a system that works with the body, rather than overriding it, so side effects are usually happy ones!  However, do not undergo treatments while intoxicated or on an empty stomach.

I’m feeling good, considering my age. Why should I make an appointment? We all do best with strong community ties. Your team should have some trustworthy medical providers, and I am honored to have the opportunity to earn your trust. As an acupuncturist, I can help identify unhealthy patterns, and gently restore balance before those patterns explode into serious symptoms.  (I can help eliminate most of those minor aches and impairments you thought were inevitable, too.)

Ultimately, though, my goal is to help you live the way you want – I won’t recommend appointments or interventions you don’t need.

How many treatments will I need?  It depends on your condition.  Stubborn or chronic problems will take more time, while acute conditions will usually resolve quickly.  I will stay in close communication with you about your goals and how I can help you achieve them.

How are acupuncturists trained?  East Asian Medicine takes many years of practice to master.  An M.S.O.M. (Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine) requires 3200+ hours of study, completed over 4 years.   We undergo rigorous training to ensure the safety of our patients, including Clean Needle Technique, and the exact location, angle, and needling depth of hundreds of points- as well as the diagnostic capacity to know when each is indicated.  Other medical providers may be allowed in some states to practice acupuncture or dry needling with just a fraction of our training- sometimes as little as one weekend.  I strongly recommend seeking acupuncture only from licensed acupuncturists (L.Ac).