First, we would like to say “Welcome!” and “Thank you!” for including us on your healing journey.
I know, to you, East Asian Medicine is a complex and unfamiliar medicine. It’s not only because there are so many styles of practice (Five Element, TCM, Vietnamese, Japanese…), so many methods of treatments (acupuncture, herbal, cupping, moxa, qigong…) but also the language and the methods we use to perform examinations and diagnostics, like taking your pulse, checking your tongue, etc. So, if you have any questions regarding anything I do, don’t hesitate to ask. I believe that the more you understand my methods, the more your mind and your body will be open to accepting the treatment methods, and the faster your healing will take place.
Our Office
Previous
Next
Our office is accessible, and we are in the progress of completing ADA compliance.
Before you start your first session with me, there are a few things you may want to know.
- What to expect during acupuncture treatment: With the insertion of needles, you may feel certain sensations, some of which may be pleasant and others mildly uncomfortable. You may feel a dull ache, a tingling sensation local to the needle or elsewhere in your body, a sensation of fullness, energy moving through your body, relaxation, or a sensation of tightness. That’s all normal. But if you feel sharp pain then let me know. Also, after your treatment you may feel grounded, relaxed, and possibly “spacey”. That’s also normal.
- Different people react differently to the same treatment or herbal medicines. Let me know if you have any concerns or discomfort, or if you feel unsure with herbs, or any treatment modalities so I can adjust your treatment.
- Keep good mental or written notes as to how you’re responding to your treatment. This is important information that allows you to recognize progress, and for me to know so I can decide to stay with my current treatment plan or to adjust it.
- Avoid being too hungry or too full prior to the treatment time. If you’re too hungry, you may feel nausea, dizziness, or can faint during your session.
- Drinking: Avoid alcohol, coffee or caffeinate drinks on the day of your treatment. All of these drinks will dehydrate you. Caffeinated drinks will make you more sensitive to needle insertions. Make sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially after your appointment
- For best results, avoid strenuous activity immediately following a treatment. Set aside enough time so that you are not rushing to and from your visit. You are always welcome to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier to settle and relax prior your treatment time, as well as stay 5-10 minutes after to allow your mind and body to fully awaken enough for driving.
- Avoid cold showers for the first 24 hours post session. Cold showers will obstruct the flow of qi (energy), which I try to facilitate.
One more item, I only conduct my treatment in one treatment room at a time. Unless I need to make herbs or do something for you, I will typically be in the treatment room with you. The reason behind that is so you can feel safe to rest while the needles are on you. The deeper you can relax, the deeper your healing can go. In order for me to maintain this special style of treatment, you need to be on time. You’re more than welcome to arrive early, just please don’t be late. I don’t want to shorten your session. And I cannot go over to the next session time slot. It’s not fair for others, as well as myself. If you think you cannot make it, please let us know as soon as possible (minimum 12 hours in advance), so we can open that slot for others. We won’t charge you a cancelation fee because we believe in respect and trust. But if you no show and no call twice, we hold the right to refuse future services for you. Again, Welcome! We look forward to meeting you!
Example Outline of First Course of Treatment:
Depending on individual’s condition, the treatment might be completed with fewer or more sessions.
1
- Review of your health history, and chief complaint
- Examination
- Treatment
2
- Discuss treatment and home care plan
- Treatment
3
- Follow-up consultation
- Treatment
4
- Follow-up consultation
- Treatment
- Food therapy or Herbal treatment
5
- Discuss further treatment if needed
- Treatment