What to Expect – We Are a Team
When you state your intention to work with us, we are honored to be here to help you on a deep level. You can expect great results, if you are truly committed. We work very hard on each case, allowing extra time off hours to research and help find solutions to patients’ concerns. We ask for a level of commitment from our patients from Day One. Without your commitment, nothing is possible. We ask you to follow through on a treatment plan, which is based on our experience in treating your condition. It is never more or less than what you may need.
What Not to Expect
Do not expect to find a simple solution to a complex problem. Health issues which took months and years to develop are not likely to be relieved in a few treatments, although you may start seeing changes during that time. Acupuncture is not a quick fix! It enhances your body’s natural abilities to heal itself, which takes time.
Initial Assessment
Your initial appointment is focused on gathering information, introducing you to how we treat, and creating a plan to help you achieve your goals and to obtain maximum therapeutic benefit. For this reason, the first appointment is generally 75 minutes or longer. Unlike western doctors, we REALLY take the time to get to know you, your concerns, and communicate how we can help. We will do a general physical and include a Chinese “tongue and pulse” reading.
Role of Acupuncture & Integrative Care
We will explain how acupuncture and possibly Functional Medicine (lab testing nutrition), fits into your care plan: how it can help, expected outcomes, and efficacy based on research studies. We will also explain our process and the changes you may notice over the course of treatment. This will be followed by an acupuncture session.
Treatment Plan
You will then receive a treatment plan based on our findings. We will recommend the best course of therapies for restoring you to better health. This may include acupuncture, cupping, moxa, gua sha, tuina, lab testing, supplement and diet recommendations and lifestyle changes to complement your wellness plan. We will carefully guide you through every step so you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Frequency: How Long Will it Take to See Results?
This is a tough one, because every single person responds differently. We like to be as direct and honest as possible, but it is really different for each patient.
Acupuncture is much like going to the gym. If you go once a week, you achieve a certain result, however, it’s not long lasting, and you may relapse before the next week. In China, a patient travels 10 days in a row, when seeking treatment for a particular issue.
Acupuncture, like physical therapy or chiropractic care is cumulative. We ask that you come twice a week for the first month or so (or weekly at minimum), then once a week for awhile, and eventually only twice a month and once a month for maintenance care. An initial 10-12 sessions is what is typically recommended, although it may be less than that for an acute injury, a cold, etc. A sprained ankle may resolve itself in three sessions. A 10-year history of chronic migraine headaches could take months to resolve, however, patients typically will start feeling better in the first month. If you are seeking to conceive and are in good health otherwise, conception might take 3-6 months. If you have underlying issues like PCOS or endometriosis, it could take longer. We don’t schedule single appointments, especially for deep-rooted problems like back pain, which require time and a little “onion peeling”. We insist on this in order to maintain effectiveness and overall integrity of our treatments.