If you are new to acupuncture or new to Jessica's practice, you're in the right place! This page provides general information about what to expect at your acupuncture appointment.
Patient Health History
Insurance Information
Please plan to spend about 90 minutes at your first appointment; follow up appointments are about 60 minutes. Have a little something to eat before you come in - nothing too heavy, but it's better if you don't have an empty stomach.
First, Jessica will meet with you to discuss the main reasons you've come for acupuncture treatment. She'll ask questions about the duration of the problem, other treatments you might have tried, locations and qualities of pain, related symptoms, and other health issues that are relevant to Chinese medicine diagnosis. Some of the questions may seem unrelated; this is because Chinese medicine is a holistic medicine - acupuncturists are interested in the whole picture of your health.
Jessica will spend about 45 minutes getting your health history at the first visit. After that, she will take your pulse and look at your tongue. These are important parts of Chinese medicine diagnosis and will help Jessica decide what's causing the problem and what to do. Once Jessica feels that she has the information she needs to create your treatment, you'll be asked to use the restroom and get comfortable on the acupuncture table. Please bring loose-fitting clothes, towels, or blankets to your appointment so that Jessica can access the necessary points for your treatment.
Jessica will talk you through the treatment, including telling you when and where the points will be placed - don't worry, no surprises! Putting the points in takes about 5-7 minutes. Then it's time for the best part - relaxing! You'll be left to rest for about 30 minutes. You can choose to have white noise or gentle music while you're on the table. We have infrared heat lamps and space heaters to keep you warm and cozy while you rest.
At the end of your treatment, Jessica will come in and remove all the needles. You can get dressed, ask any questions you might have, and move on with your day, feeling even more relaxed and rested than before.