Q: What should I expect from my first Acupuncture treatment?
A: The initial visit involves more extensive inquiry into your total symptom picture and takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes. The initial visit includes a review of your chief complaints and symptoms (previously discussed in the Consultation), an Acupuncture treatment and whatever adjunctive therapies may be appropriate (Cupping, Gua Sha, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Moxabustion).
I have plenty of sheets for draping so there's no need to worry about specific attire. My goal is to get you some level of symptomatic relief and an improvement in your overall condition. Results may vary from individual to individual, of course, and follow-up recommendations are made based upon the nature of the condition for which you are seeking treatment.
Q: How do I prepare for my Acupuncture appointment?
A: Bring your list of symptoms, your goals and intentions and healthy curiosity to your Acupuncture appointment. Eastern Medicine provides a different framework and requires you as a patient to more actively engage in your healing process. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine provide the physical and energetic support required to allow the body's own healing mechanisms to calibrate towards optimal functioning. An integral part of the healing process includes what happens outside of your Acupuncture appointment, as well.
Q: Is there anything I should or should NOT do AFTER my Acupuncture treatment?
A: My general recommendation is to be gentle with yourself and to take the time to listen to what your body is asking for. Sometimes what the body requires is more rest to integrate, perhaps a warm-cooked meal, some gentle to brisk physical activity may be what your body craves. I would avoid doing any thing too extreme (rigorous exercise, an overstimulating activity) after an Acupuncture treatment as you've just spent an hour soothing your nervous system & such engagements might feel more disruptive or jarring.
Q: Does Acupuncture hurt?
A: Acupuncture treatments can vary in level of sensation. You may feel a tiny poke once the needle is inserted into the skin. Often times patients report feeling very little discomfort with the insertion of the needles. Energetically, you may feel heavy, achey sensations, movement along a channel line, or sensations in seemingly unrelated areas of the body.
Q: How long before my Cupping marks fade?
A: This depends on the depth of the color of the Cupping marks. If the marks are very deep in color (more purple, darker marks) they may take a week to 10 days to fade. Most Cupping marks fade within a week.
Q: Do you take insurance?
A: I do not bill insurance but Acupuncture is coded for your Flex Savings and/or Health Savings Account funds and I am able to process those cards.
If you are a member of the IRIS program, I am a participating Vendor through IRIS and you could be eligible for a treatment plan. Please call or email me to discuss further.
If you have a question specific to your condition or have any further questions, please feel free to contact us by phone at 608-556-3277 or email katiefritz@ahimsawellnesscollective.org or click below to: