• Examination according to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Western Medicine

• Analysis of your body imbalances according to TCM and Western Medicine

• Treatment plan developed

• The start of care if recommended

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Once we book your consultation, we will send you intake forms to fill out prior to your first appointment to make the most of your time.

  

As with most health practitioners, the first visit usually begins with the practitioner evaluating your case. Since traditional Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to patient care, you may be asked questions that appear unimportant (questions about your sleep habits, your ability to tolerate heat or cold, your dietary habits, etc.), but are vital to the type of care you will receive.

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After reviewing your history, Amy will begin diagnosing your ailment. Depending on your condition, she may examine your tongue and pulse,­ a great diagnostic tool in traditional Chinese medicine.

 

Using all of the information obtained during the history and diagnosis, she will then determine the cause of your symptoms. If Amy feels that she may be able to help you, she will create a treatment plan specific to you.  Unless she suggests another route, you will likely start treatment that day.

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Depending on the seriousness and how long you have had your condition, it may take several visits to see significant improvement or cure your condition. As with any treatment plan, make sure that your questions are answered completely, and that the treatment plan seems viable and reasonable. If you don't understand a particular technique or type of treatment, be sure to ask. 

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Depending on the condition, needles will be inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. Amy may use electrical stimulation, moxabustion, infrared heat, or other therapies to enhance the acupuncture's therapeutic effect.

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Tips to maximize your comfort and benefits:

• Eat a snack or light meal prior to your appointment

• Avoid caffeine prior to your treatment - you will likely fall asleep

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be more comfortable if your clothing can be easily rolled up to your elbows and knees to reach some common acupoints.

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Each patient receives health care that is customized for their individual needs. A session may include:

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Acupuncture Needles:  thin, sterile, stainless steel needles are placed in specific acupuncture points. The needles are at least five times thinner than typical hypodermic needles and insertion is usually painless. You may feel a dull ache or tingling sensation when the needle is stimulated. Acupuncture is generally a very relaxing experience.

 

Acupressure: for needle-phobic patients, or small children who aren't keen on the idea of needles.  Also, a good therapy to bring home and teach the family.

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Cupping:  a heated glass cup applied to the skin, creating suction as a way of stimulating the flow of energy.  Cupping is effective in treating musculature pain conditions, the onset of a cold, cough, wheezing, stomach pain, and skin conditions to name a few.

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Ear Seeds: A form of acupressure.  Tiny ear seeds affixed to the ear to create a constant low-level stimulation of acupoints. These are often the treatment of choice for appetite suppression, smoking cessation, or other forms of addiction.  These are also good for people not keen on the idea of needles. 

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Infrared Heat Therapy:  The most resonant form of heat therapy for the human body, the wavelength nature of this heat penetrates much more deeply than other forms of heat. This deep penetration enables extensive stimulation of local circulation. With circulation comes blood and qi (energy), bringing in nutrients and removing toxins.

 

Tui Na Massage:  Chinese bodywork

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Herbal Recommendations: The use of Chinese herbs are highly effective, cost-efficient and have little or no side effects. They are also good for recuperation and building up resistance to diseases.

 

Dietary Therapy: Dietary therapy uses food to treat and prevent diseases. Food is medicine and medicine is food. What you eat determines your health and the quality of your life.

 

Magnet Therapy: Often used for pain management.

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Electrical Stimulation: Very low-level electrical current may be applied to the needle. This is often used for muscle spasms, pain conditions, weight loss, and to enhance point stimulation in general.

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Moxabustion: The burning of a medicinal herb close to the skin, to warm the area and improve circulation.

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Trans-Dermal Medical Infusion: Special medicinal herbs from Tibet and China used to increase circulation.