What to Expect

I use acupuncture and other forms of Chinese medicine, including herbal formulas, moxibustion (an herbal, localized heat treatment). We were utilizing Celluma red light panel, Avant cold laser, auricular acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, far-infrared lamps, vitamin B-12 injections, and electro-stimulation (if needed). This form of treatment has been proven effective for many, many conditions, from asthma to depression to eczema to migraines to pain relief to women’s (gynecological) issues.

All treatment begins with a complete diagnosis, which takes place during your first visit. I spend a considerable amount of time getting a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. I examine the condition of your tongue (is it cracked, coated, excessively pink? etc.), and check your pulse on both wrists (the quality of your pulse gives information about possible imbalances). I’ll also ask questions about your emotional state, and specific symptoms you may have. This is done because unlike Western medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the whole person. Rather than merely focusing on the symptoms of your condition, I treat the underlying cause of those symptoms.

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The first visit (with diagnosis) will last 1.5 hours and includes an acupuncture treatment lasting approximately 30 minutes. Your subsequent visits will be shorter – usually about an hour long. We’ll make a brief review of your progress during those follow-up treatments

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If it’s warranted, you will also be prescribed an herbal formula. Herbs are almost always prescribed in a balanced formula, where different herbs have supporting effects. Thousands of years of use and research have shown that this is far more effective than large doses of a single substance.

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Typically acupuncture treatments are given once a week, anywhere from 2-12 weeks. For preventative work and maintaining a balanced system, I recommend quarterly appointments. If the condition is acute and painful, treatments may be needed 2-3 times per week until the condition starts to come under control. On average, a typical course of treatment requires 10-12 treatments over 2-4 months. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition, your basic level of health, and how well you respond to acupuncture.

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Fertility patients who wish to use acupuncture without herbal medicine may require 2-3 treatments each week, for 3-6 months. Once pregnant, weekly treatments through the 1st trimester are recommended.