You will need to bring your medical history and consent information to your first appointment.
Please fill out the medical history intake form before your first visit.
Please read and sign the consent form.
What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
During your appointment, I will talk to you about your (mental) health issues. Then I will examine your body for areas that will react to acupuncture. In the Japanese style acupuncture that I practice I will examine “reflex zones” and points on the abdomen and other parts of the body. These reflex zones if painful or tight provide information about the acupuncture points that need to be treated. After confirming that these acupuncture points lessen the pain or tightness, I will gently tap the tiny needles into points into your skin throughout the body.
The needles are sterile, disposable and as thin as a human hair. They stay in for as long as 20 minutes. Sometimes it is only necessary to treat the front of your body, so you will lie on your back. If time allows, and there are points on your back that need to be treated you will lie on your stomach.
What does acupuncture feel like?
You may feel a small prick with each needle. It’s less painful than the feeling when you get a vaccine or blood draw. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than medical needles, and they are solid, not hollow. I use high quality needles from the Japanese brand Seirin. They may cause some sensations, such as dull ache or tingling or a deep heaviness. Those sensations usually mean the treatment is working.
How to prepare for a visit and what to wear?
Because this type of acupuncture requires that I examine your abdomen, neck, hand, and feet, it is best to wear very loose clothing that can be removed, or pulled aside if necessary. A T-shirt and shorts or something similar would be best.
