Wondering if acupuncture is right for you?
Welcome New Clients!
You’ve come to the right place if you’ve never had acupuncture before but are considering it.
Experience the power of acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a safe, effective treatment method for chronic, acute and subclinical conditions.
In acupuncture we diagnose at the organ level, so our method often allows us to detect organ imbalances, some of which may be asymptomatic.
While there are cases that acupuncture can not effectively treat, we are trained to know when it's appropriate to refer you to your family doctor, or even emergent care. However it's safe to say that most health challenges can be made better by acupuncture treatments.
What does the intake appointment look like?
Please know that post COVID we have strict guidelines regarding patient movement around the clinic and social distancing. You’ll probably be met at the door and brought to your treatment area.
Initial Examination
- Practitioner and client sit a safe distance apart and go over any questions that arise from the intake form filled out online.*
- We will examine you differently than you might see in a western medicine context. We look at your tongue. We take pulses from the radial side of your wrist in 6 places and on both hands.
- We may palpate a channel on your foot, leg, hand or arm to observe the flow of qi through that area. We are observing way more information than the heart in our method of pulse taking.
- We may ask about bowel movements, urination, pains around the body, headaches, injuries, family medical history, and things that might not seem relevant but to us they are.
- The practitioner talks through the planned treatment, and gains a level of understanding with the patient. After the conversation the practitioner gains consent for the treatment as described.
* The more information we have there, the shorter time we need to talk about health history. After brief introductions and this question and answer period, the treatment would begin.
Acupuncture treatment
- In the first visit, we use the thinnest and shortest needles, and try to select points that are effective for what we decide to treat and comfortable for clients experiencing needles for the first time.
- In general, the closer to the ends of the fingers on the upper limbs, and closer to the toe tips would be the places where there would be maximum sensation, but also quite effective. To clean the selected points, the practitioner places a small circle of alcohol in the planned locations.
- After needles are in place and every needle is comfortable, the needles would be retained for 20+ minutes. You would have the ability to say you want to stop at any time, but most people feel relaxed sleepy sensations, but also very present and at peace.
Post-treatment
- After the treatment, you should feel relaxed but ready to go back into the world. Allowing yourself time to enjoy an herbal tea or even indulging in a warm salt bath will help your body and mind to integrate the treatment.
- First acupuncture appointments are best made later in the day so we don’t have to go to work or school after the treatment.
- In our remaining time on your first visit, after you’ve gotten up from the table, we would discuss next steps and about the larger picture of your health. If you’ve brought a warm beverage or tea, now would be a good time to drink it.
Meet Your Acupuncturist
Hi, I'm Jane!
My diverse background performing as a professional musician and studying business (MBA and Master of Science degrees) before becoming an RAc has taught me to work with people of all backgrounds.
I can explain acupuncture to both the medical professional and the medical layperson, and love hearing life stories about my clients who also come from diverse backgrounds.
I also cultivated a love of mountain biking whilst touring and adventuring all over North America. While I know cycling is not for everyone, I’ve noticed there are plenty others who also choose to lead an active life after childhood, and many of them need support to stay healthy and happy as their bodies age.
Whether it’s a serious injury or chronic pain from repetitive motion, people who stay active late in life often need someone to help keep them capable and out there.
Important Notes
On treatment day, please dress in loose fitting comfortable clothing, including pants that can rise above the knee, a skirt, or shorts. We are required to wear a disposable mask even during the treatment, We will have those available for $1. Regulations also require the use of hand sanitizer after you come into the clinic, which is available at the door.
COVID has changed what textiles we can offer on the treatment table in the clinic. We also can not offer you any water or tea. The table heat will be turned on if you need it and sheets are provided. Please plan for your treatment clothes to be ample for body temperature dropping. Please bring a shawl or blanket if you would like to be a little warmer.
You deserve to feel at ease, relieve the pain,
and improve your quality of life.
Our 15 minute free consultation is great for putting your mind at ease.
Call us at (647) 674-2497 or use the button below to
schedule your free 15-minute consultation call.
