WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR FIRST TREATMENT
You can expect your first visit to last about an
hour. We'll begin by asking you to fill out a complete medical history
form, which we'll discuss in detail. This will give me an overview
of your general health history, and an understanding of the development
of your chief complaints, and will allow you to bring up any questions
you may have. I will then observe your tongue, feel your pulse and
palpate your abdomen. These steps are part of Traditional Chinese
Medical diagnosis and help me to evaluate your overall health and
to determine which acupuncture points and which Chinese Herbal formulae
might be relevant to your treatment. Where musculo-skeletal evaluation
is indicated for such conditions as headache, sports injuries, etc.
I will perform a physical exam relevant to the situation. We'll then
discuss the course of treatment I feel will benefit you most, the
number and frequency of visits I recommend, and the relevance of such
modalities as massage, electro acupuncture, herbal prescriptions,
nutrition and exercise in the overall treatment plan. You'll find
more information on pricing and insurance here.
Everyone reacts in different ways to acupuncture
treatment, so it is always difficult to determine precisely what will
be needed at the beginning of a course of treatment. Typically for
a chronic condition that is of more than three months duration a minimum
of six to ten treatments will be necessary, beginning twice a week,
then moving to once a week. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative
and I usually expect patients to feel some improvement after three
to four treatments in a chronic condition and perhaps immediately
in an acute condition of recent onset.
Most people, myself included, are understandably
nervous about getting their first acupuncture treatment. It is important
to remember that the needles are hair thin, very rarely cause bruising
and are not hollow, so they do not hurt like getting a shot or having
blood drawn would. If a needle hurts for more than a few seconds after
insertion then I'll take it out or adjust it so that it is comfortable.
I generally use from six to ten sterile disposable needles for each
treatment and leave them in place for approximately twenty minutes.
Many patients experience a sense of profound relaxation and well being
during the treatment. Because of this, I think you will find your
treatment to be a source of pleasure rather than anxiety.
LOCATION AND PARKING
I am currently seeing patients on Wednesdays from my Home Office Clinic in Santa Monica, located at 2212 Pearl Court in Santa Monica (park and enter from the alleyway behind 2212 Pearl St - see map).
I am also available for Home Visits. You can contact me via text at 310.266.5466 or email at needles22@aol.com.