During the first visit, we will go through a very detailed health questionnaire with you.  You can down load this “Health History Questionnaire” to fill out before your appointment time.  The questionnaire may take up to 20 minutes to fill out, so please arrive early and allow enough time before your actual first appointment time. The most honest and complete information will help us to understand what is going on with you.  Expect the first visit to last up to an hour and a half, but follow up visits will last around 45 minutes to an hour.

• Feeling your pulses and looking at your tongue is an important diagnostic tool. These observations can reveal information on your organ and meridian systems to help us understand your present state of health.
• Dress comfortably or bring loose clothing to change into so that your arms and legs are accessible.  You may change into a gown, if we need, to reach your back or abdomen areas.
• You may choose to lay on a message table or sit in a recliner for your treatment. Needles are usually retained for about half an hour, but the time may vary according to individual responses.  It is recommended that you use the restroom right before your treatment, as you will not be able to get up once the needles are inserted (or the needles will need to be removed and reinserted).
• It is best that you eat a light meal or snack at least 1 to 11/2 hours before your treatment.
• After the treatment you may feel very relaxed and sometimes you may feel light headed.  This is normal and it is good to drink water and allow your system to re-energize.  Occasionally you may feel groggy for the rest of the day but a good nights rest will adjust your energy level.  On the other hand, some individuals find that they feel more energized right after the treatment.  The response will vary amongst individuals.
• Overall number of Visits:   Individual responses to acupuncture and herbal medicine are unique, so it is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of treatments to obtain the desired results.  It depends on the condition as well as the individual.  Below are a few guidelines, but please recognize that these suggested “number of visits” are not hard and fast:
  • For chronic problems, it is recommended to have 8 to 10 total treatments. The first 4 to 6 visits are once per week, followed by visits once every other week for the remaining  4 to 6 visits.  Then a monthly “tune up” to check that you are continuing to feel good is highly recommended.
  • For Acute injuries or pain it usually requires 4 to 6 total treatments. It is best to have 2 to 3 visits per week for two connective weeks.