Call For Your Appointment
630-428-1195

How to prepare...

Please review the informed consent form prior to your first visit.

Eat a small meal or snack, 1-2 hours prior to your appointment.

What to expect...

We first discuss your goals and health history.  Next, we go through a series of questions that begin to provide a picture of the way that your body, mind and emotions function together to affect your overall health. 

Chinese medicine uses observation of the tongue and feeling pulses at the wrists to provide additional information.  If you include brushing your tongue as a part of your dental hygiene, do not brush your tongue on the day of treatment.  This gives a more accurate reading of your tongue

Depending on your presenting symptoms, we may test range of motion of your joints, perform muscle testing, palpate your abdomen, or discuss other tests that may be useful.

A customized treatment, designed to address your symptoms and help you achieve your health goals, is then performed.  Different modalities may be applied including:

Acupuncture  
Cupping
Gua Sha
Massage
Moxa
Liniments or plasters
Stretching
If appropriate, herbal teas or tablets may be a part of your treatment. 

Dietary changes, home exercises or stretching are recommended as appropriate. 


What to wear...

Loose fitting, comfortable clothing is the best.  Many commonly used acupuncture points are accessible if sleeves and pant legs can be rolled or pulled up above the elbows and knees.  You may be comfortable changing into loose fitting shorts and a tee-shirt.  Otherwise, I may use massage sheets for draping or have you change into a cotton or paper gown.

Plan your time...

Initial acupuncture sessions usually take about 90 minutes.  Remember to review forms prior to your visit.  You may email or call with any questions that you have on the forms.  Please arrive a few minutes early to complete paperwork.  You may want to schedule so that you have 30-60 minutes following your session to relax.

Plan your day so that you have time and capacity to integrate the changes that your treatment session will bring.  Avoid strenuous activity and allow time for ample sleep on the day of treatment.