First Treatment
Duration
Typically lasts up to 60 minutes and includes a thorough initial intake and evaluation. Follow up treatments typically last about 30-45 minutes.
Stomach
It is best if you do not come to your appointment on an empty stomach. It does not have to be a full meal, it can be something small such as a piece of fruit.
Attire
Please wear loose-fitting clothing. We do have shorts for you to change into if you do not have loose-fitting clothing. Most of the needles will be placed on the arm and legs so we will need those areas exposed.
We will start by you telling me about your main health concern.
I will ask you questions such as: How long have you had it? How does it affect you? How does it affect your everyday life? Have you received treatment and how did it go?
We will also do a checkup on your overall health.
I will ask you questions about your sleep, energy levels, digestion system, bowels, and more. After we will come to a diagnosis of why you are having your main health concern. I’ll discuss the treatment options to you which will include acupuncture frequency. It may also include herbal medicine and diet modifications.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbs are an essential part of the treatment. I will also discuss with you the herbal options available to you.
After initial review, you will be taken to a treatment room.
In the treatment room, you will be asked to lie down on a table. About 5-10 specific acupuncture points will be chosen for you. I will wipe them with alcohol to sterilize them and insert hair-thin needles. Usually, the patient feels little or no discomfort.
Afterward, the needles will be left in for 30-45 minutes. The needles need to stay in the acu-points to generate healing and balance the body. Most people find the treatment very relaxing and many fall asleep. If you feel any discomfort, be sure to tell me so that I can make any necessary adjustments.
After the session, the needles are removed and we see how you feel.
We also review your treatment plan together. You can also ask any remaining questions that you may have.
*All patients will have my email to receive support or ask any questions that may come up.
Some essential information for new patients here:
If you are a new patient, please fill out the required intake forms and email them back to me before your appointment so that we can have you on file.
Insurance
Do we take insurance?
First, you should know that there are two different types of insurance benefits: In-Network benefits and Out-of-Network benefits. Generally, in-network benefits offer less co-pay for you, less deductible to meet and will more coverage for you which means you pay less compared to out of network benefits.
Out of network benefits generally mean a higher co-pay, higher deductible and the insurance company would offer less coverage per treatment compared to in-network benefits.
I am only in-network with Cigna. I am out of network with every other plan.
However, this does not mean that your insurance does not cover treatments at my office. To find out, you will have to call them to verify your Out-of-Network benefits.
Here are the questions you should ask when calling your insurance.
1. What are my out of network acupuncture benefits?
2. What is my deductible?
3. What is my co-pay?
4. How much do you cover per session?
If you have coverage, I will give you an insurance receipt (called a “Super Bill”) for you to send in to the insurance company. They will reimburse you directly. I do not do the billing for you.
Certain exceptions may apply if you have Cigna, Meritian, Google’s Anthem BC PPO. In these cases, I may do the billing for you. Call or email me to find out.
Intake Forms
Filling Out Forms
You can type directly onto the forms and fill them out on the computer. You may also print them out and fill them by hand.
Submitting Forms
You can email the forms to me at or you can print them out and bring them with you to your session.
If you cannot submit your intake form before your appointment.
Please come into the office 10 minutes earlier to fill out the intake forms.
FAQs
Acupuncture uses fine, sterile needle to insert at very precise points in the body. It is an ancient Chinese healing art that encourages the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning.
When practiced properly, acupuncture is very safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires qualified practitioners to use sterile non-toxic needles.
Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, sterile, individually packaged, and disposable. The needles are disposed of according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
Acupuncture needles are very different from the ones used in medical doctor’s offices. The needles are hair-thin, flexible, and even bendable. The needles used in a medical doctor’s office, to take blood, for example, are thick and hollow and not bendable, resulting in pain when inserted.
Most people do not experience pain with acupuncture treatments. Upon insertion, there is a slight prick feeling. However, after that, the patient then lays down to rest for 30-45 minutes. During this time, many patients experience deep relaxation and calmness.
No. Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to relax your nervous system and allow your body to release its own endorphins (your body’s natural pain-relieving and feel-good hormone).
Whether you believe in Acupuncture or not, the process is working. There are physiological changes happening in your body that are out of your control.
Very unlikely. The acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel and are disposable. I always use new needles for every patient and do not reuse needles. So the possibility of you catching a disease from the needles are minimal to none.
Acupuncture is popular for treating pain but it can do so much more. It is great for treating emotional conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Also very effective for digestion, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, and much much more.
According to the World Health Organization, there are 47 specific disorders treatable by acupuncture. Some of the conditions include:
- Pain conditions (whiplash injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower backache)
- Skin disorders (dermatitis, hives, eczema, psoriasis)
- Autoimmune reactions (seasonal and food allergies, sinusitis, rhinitis)
- Digestive problems (IBS, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea)
- Psycho-emotional issues (stress, anxiety, depression)
- Musculoskeletal complaints (tendinitis, arthritis, gout, bone spurs)
- Functional symptoms (hypertension, high cholesterol)
How many sessions you need and how often will depend on whether your condition. I may recommend some patients come in twice per week. Others may only need to come in once per week. Every case is different. We will discuss fully in your initial consultation and work out a plan that works for the both of us.
The Web That Has no Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine
by Ted Kaptchuck
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine
by Harriet Bienfeld and Efrem Korngold
Healing
AT ACUPUNCTURE AVENUE
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