Frequently Asked Questions

 

How does the first visit go?

You begin before your initial appointment by filling out an intake form which asks you about what brings you in for treatment, your present and past health history, your lifestyle, and any symptoms you are experiencing. At your first visit, we'll talk in depth about the information you shared, and clarify your treatment priorities. Sometimes, I will take your pulses and look at your tongue, or palpate your abdomen as part of the diagnostic process, and most always I will be palpating your area of complaint to see what is tight and tender. All of these steps lead me to a treatment plan that is best tailored to your individual needs.

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What about the treatment itself?

Your treatment will most often involve acupuncture, but may also include other modalities, such as moxabustion (an herb that is burned to warm and nourish the area), guasha or cupping (two non-invasive methods of removing stagnation from an area and increasing tissue adaptability), massage, electro-stimulation, hands-on work to calm your nervous  system, meditative exercises, dietary advice and assisted stretches. The acupuncture needles I use are very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles, and are disposed of as medical waste. Once I have decided on the treatment, I place the needles, doing my best to modulate the level of sensation to your comfort.  You will usually rest with the needles for 15-20 minutes. Some people refer to this as an “acu-nap”, an important, very often calm and restorative time where you are not entirely asleep but not entirely awake; a space where healing can happen.

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Does Acupuncture Hurt?

There are often physical sensations associated with Acupuncture, but my job is to work with you to keep the sensations at a level that works for you.  The acupuncture needles are very thin - about the diameter of a thick human hair. When the needles are inserted you may feel nothing or you may experience a tiny pricking sensation. As I stimulate the needles, you may feel a dull ache, a spreading sensation, a feeling of heaviness or warmth or of energy traveling along a pathway. This moment, when you feel an acupuncture point working, is known as 'de qi', or the arrival of qi.  It is a good thing! Another way of thinking about de qi is that the acupuncture needle has accessed the energy needed to stimulate a healing response in the bodymind. When the point is activated, change is initiated.

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How Many Treatments are Needed?

Courses of treatment are very individual and are based on the nature, severity and duration of the complaint, as well as your lifestyle, and your willingness to work together as a partnership during the course of treatment. Sometimes acute issues can be resolved in a few treatments, while chronic or life-long issues need regular, frequent care over a longer period and will then transition to maintenance treatments as needed.

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How Do I Prepare for Treatment?

• Bring shorts, loose pants or sweats and a t-shirt, to provide access to your arms, legs and torso

• Don’t come for treatment with an empty stomach, or having just eaten a large meal

• Refrain from drugs or alcohol before treatment

• If you drink caffeine, please avoid it for a few hours before treatment, if possible

• Allow 1.5 hours for the first treatment, and 75 minutes for follow-up sessions of acupuncture

• It is optimal to schedule appointments for a time when you can be moderate in your activity following treatment

 

How Can I Pay for the Session?

I accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, Including HSA and FSA cards.

 

My rates are:

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Initial 90 minute Intake and Treatment  -  $150.00

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Follow up 75 minute Acupuncture Session  -  $115.00

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2 Hour "Move your Qi" Bundle of Gyrotonic and Acupuncture  -  $165.00

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90 minute "Get in the Flow" Bundle of Gyrotonic and Acupuncture  -  $145.00

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Do You Accept Insurance?

 I can provide you a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement, if you have out-of-network alternative care coverage with your provider.  I no longer bill Insurance directly, I am a pay at time of service practice at this time.