For your initial consultation, the acupuncturist needs to assess your general health. You will be asked about your current symptoms and any treatment you’ve received so far. It is also important to gather detailed information about your medical history and that of your family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The purpose is to identify what needs to be addressed in order to target your specific complaint, and to boost your overall vitality.

Stimulation of specific areas affects the functioning of various organs. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where you are experiencing a problem. For example, if you suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your foot or hand. There are 365 specific acupuncture points on the body, and an unlimited number of empirical points that have been found over the centuries to address specific symptoms. Often during the course of a few sessions, different points will be selected as the patient’s condition changes.

Ideally you can wear loose, comfortable clothing to receive acupuncture treatment, and gowns will be provided if needed. Acupuncturists often need to access points on your torso, arms and legs. It also helps to be in a calm state. Try to arrive a few minutes early for your appointment to give yourself a chance to relax.
Try to avoid the following:

• Fasting for more than six hours before your appointment

• Caffeinated drinks immediately prior to treatment or just following a treatment

• Please avoid wearing perfumes/colognes/strongly scented cosmetics out of consideration for others

Length, number and frequency of sessions varies according to your situation. For most conditions, a series of several sessions is necessary to achieve the maximum benefit.

A typical series of sessions consists of 6 to 12 visits, once or twice a week initially, with sessions lasting 45 to 75 minutes each. Acute conditions, such as sprains, generally require less time and frequency, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several (or several dozen) sessions. Appointments are scheduled further and further apart after the optimal response has been achieved. Some people experience great benefits from weekly or monthly sessions.

The length of each acupuncture session varies depending on your condition. Typically, your first visit will be longer than your subsequent visits.

Patients normally feel relaxed and calm. You may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the experience is particularly strong. You may also experience a short-term flare-up of symptoms in the healing process. After a session, it is a good idea to sit quietly and relax. A gentle walk or very mild exercise can also be helpful. When possible, avoid vigorous exercise, alcohol and stressful situations for a few hours after your treatment, to let the acupuncture take effect and for these effects to last longer.

I am proud to offer my services to our service members. 
Because acupuncture can have a positive effect on those suffering from physical wounds as well as the mental stress of a deployment, I feel a strong connection to my Veteran patients.  I encourage veterans and their family members to reach out if you’re experiencing suffering and are open to exploring how acupuncture can benefit your overall recovery. 

Since the beginning of Covid-19,
a number of things are different in my process and schedule
Now that the mask mandate has been lifted, it is no longer required to wear a mask in this clinic.
The following protocols are still in place:

Please note:
I have been fully vaccinated and continue to get regular boosters

• Every treatment room has a HEPA/UV-C filter running at all times during treatments. The lobby has
  a HEPA filter running throughout the day as well.
• I will continue to wash all points of contact surfaces between patients
  
• Essential oils to help all of us stay protected against URI contagion are sprayed regularly