What to Expect
Before, During, and After Your Visit
ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENT
Initial Visits
Your first visit with Heather will last 75-90 minutes. This includes a thorough health history and review of your present condition. We may discuss your diet, lifestyle, stress, exercise, and sleep. Heather will then provide a physical examination according to the Chinese medicine diagnostic system.
Together, we will determine a treatment strategy that best suits your individual needs. After the intake, the remaining time will be devoted to treatment.
To make the most of our time together, be sure to fill out your intake form online before your appointment. Also, please bring with you any relevant medical test results, such as lab work, MRI reports, etc.
Follow-Up Visits
A typical follow-up appointment lasts 60-75 minutes. There is usually 10-15 minutes for consultation and 50-65 minutes for a thorough treatment based on your treatment strategy. The cost for herbs/supplements is not included in the treatment price.
Preparing for Treatment
Be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing and eat something at least one hour before your appointment. The treatment room includes a heat lamp, music, and dim lighting. It’s very relaxing and most patients fall asleep for a restorative power nap.
Feeling the Effects of Treatment
The benefits of acupuncture start immediately. After your first treatment you may experience an excellent night of sleep, higher energy, more focus, less stress and a reduction in pain.
POLICIES AND FEES
Payment & Insurance
We accept cash, check, and most major credit cards. We are a fee-for-service clinic and payment is expected at the point of service.
We currently accept PPO insurance plans that have acupuncture coverage. Click here for more information >
Discount Package
For patients without insurance, we offer pre-paid packages after your initial visit to help reduce your total expense. Ask about discount packages for more information.
FAQS
What conditions do you treat?
- Back Pain and Neck Pain
- Joint Pain
- Musculoskeletal Pain (acute and chronic)
- Fertility
- Common Cold
- Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Menstrual Condition
- Respiratory Conditions
- Emotional Conditions
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Dizziness
- Food Allergies/Sensitivities
- Genitourinary Disorders (urinary tract infection)
- Dermatological Conditions (Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis)
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Candida
- Addiction (smoking and other)
- Anemia
- HIV/AIDS Support
- Chemotherapy Support
- See World Health Organization for more conditions.
How often do i need to come in for treatment?
Typically acupuncture treatments are given 1-3 times per week. The exact duration of treatment varies by case but generally depends on the condition, your basic health, and how well you respond to acupuncture. Usually frequent treatments are done for the first few weeks; after that, the frequency of treatment may be reduced as wellness is restored. Average cases take around 6 treatments to resolve, while more challenging chronic cases require over 10.
How does acupuncture work?
Systemic balance is critical to health and wellness. In Western medicine this is known as homeostasis. Any imbalance can result in disorders such as pain, injury, insomnia, digestive issues, stress, gynecological disorders, allergies, depression, colds and many other complications. Acupuncture helps restore your natural balance so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own optimal health. From a Western medicine perspective, research has shown that acupuncture treatment triggers different physiological responses, such as:
- Stimulating the immune system and increasing white blood cells, which defend the body against infection.
- Regulating blood sugar metabolism, which helps the body use energy more efficiently.
- Increasing blood circulation and producing beneficial changes in blood pressure.
- Decreasing cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Increasing stomach peristaltic activity and regulating digestive fluids, thereby improving digestion.
- Regulating and stimulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is directly related to sleep, appetite, and moods.
- Increasing the availability of receptors in the brain that process and weaken pain signals.
- Affecting both the brain’s short- and long-term ability to reduce pain sensation.