Spend some time thinking about what you would like to achieve from your acupuncture treatment. What are your expectations? What questions or concerns do you have about acupuncture?.

Be realistic. If you have several conditions or symptoms you would like to address, please rank them. On your first visit, you will be asked primarily about your chief complaint. Secondary issues will also be noted and addressed as treatment progresses.

Start noticing how you feel each day and make a few notes. With respect to your chief complaint, try to answer these questions:
• When did this condition first appear? Is this a new condition or a recurring illness?
• What brought it on? What triggers it?
• Is your condition getting worse?
• To what degree does it interfere with your daily routine, work or sleep?
• What aggravates it? What provides relief?
• What time of day does it bother you the most? the least?

Be as descriptive and specific as possible. For example, “pain” and “discomfort” are very general words. Chinese medicine recognizes subtle distinctions in different types of pain. Burning pain is not the same as pain that has a stabbing sensation. Listed below are some words you might use to distinguish your particular pain.
• Sharp
• Dull and achy
• Constant
• Burning
• Contracting/Tight
• Heavy
• Radiating (from where?)
• Intermittent
• Stabbing
• Distending
• Numb
• Pins & needles
• No feeling
• Wandering
• Pounding

If none of these are appropriate, try coming up with your own words.

On the Day of Your Appointment

The following suggestions are provided to help you have a safe and relaxing experience with acupuncture. In order to reduce the risk of side effects, I require my clients to adhere to certain precautions. Please read this section carefully. If you have any questions, please contact me prior to your first visit.

Bring your notes and a list of current medications.

Eat a light meal 2 hours prior to your visit. Being over-hungry increases the risk of nausea or dizziness. At the same time, please do not overeat or eat any foods that cause your stomach to be upset (for example, rich, greasy, fried, or extremely spicy foods).

Avoid alcohol on the day of your treatment.

Set aside enough time so that you are not rushing to and from your visit. Physical strain immediately before or after acupuncture can weaken your body. Please schedule your activities on the day of your visit accordingly.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Acupuncture points are located all over the body. Many of the acupuncture points that are commonly used are located between the wrists and elbows, and the ankles and knees. You will be more comfortable if your clothing can be easily rolled up to your elbows and knees.

Your comfort, warmth and ease is of utmost importance to us. We encourage you
to ask questions, express concerns, and provide feedback during any stage of your treatment.

Be on time for your appointment so that you may benefit fully. When you make an appointment, please understand that time has been reserved for you. There will be a charge for missed appointments without 24 hours notice.