Welcome to my practice!  If you’re a new patient of mine or new to acupuncture in general, I will try and guide you through what your first appointment will look like.

Intake forms are available here on my website or available at my clinic.  It takes 5-10 minutes to fill out.  You’re welcome to fill it out the day of your appointment or download it now by scrolling down to the bottom of this page.  Your intake form will give me insight into your medical history, your emotional health and your lifestyle.  This will help me form a picture in my mind of your TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) diagnosis. From there I will ask you some more questions about your health and wellbeing and finish by looking at your tongue and feeling your pulses.  Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine is fundamental.  I am like a detective trying to draw out patterns in your body and seeing how they relate to each other and seeing which patterns are key to your wellness.  The tongue is a microcosm of your body.  I can see how your digestion is doing, your circulation, your liver health etc. It’s all in the tongue.  Your pulses on your wrists help me confirm my diagnosis or lets me know there is more to the picture.

“Does it hurt?” I hear you asking.  The needles are very fine and smooth and they insert into your skin quite easily.  The sensation you feel will differ for everyone.  Some of my patients don’t feel them at all, while others do feel some discomfort.  I will guide you through the needling process step by step and let you know what kinds of sensation to expect.

I have had dozens of patients now with needle-phobia and they are always surprised by how little the needles hurt.  My patients and I often say it’s the anticipation of the needle, and not the needle itself that hurts.  The best thing to do is relax and breathe.  Most of my patients fall asleep or “zone-out” and enjoy their treatments immensely.  I do have a hands on approach, and I may start or end the treatment with a Tuina Chinese Massage. I will use Tuina to help relax the body and to start the flow of Qi.

I would like to make your treatment as comfortable and relaxing as possible.  Please feel free to ask questions at any time. I love explaining this wonderful medicine.

“How many treatments will I need?” Well one course of treatment involves about  5-10 treatments received about once a week. For more severe injuries or acute pain twice a week may be more appropriate. I usually tell my patients after 3 sessions they will know what they need and want. So initial treatments are closer together, therefor the benefits carry over and gather momentum, to spacing them out once you feel more comfortable and able.

“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity. ” A touching quote by Pema Chodron

5 Element Questionnaire for Parents and Kids

” I wish I could show you the astonishing light of your own being” Hafez