During an initial acupuncture treatment, the licensed acupuncturist will ask you about your chief complaint, as well as your health history and general health. The acupuncture is performed on a massage table, and you will usually remain fully-dressed; make sure your clothing will allow access to your legs to above the knee and your arms to your elbows. Most patients feel very little needle sensation, though other sensations are often experienced-- most of which patients experience as pleasant and interesting. You will typically be left to rest with the needles in for 20-30 minutes. Other modalities, including bodywork, moxibustion, cupping, etc., may be used as well, and you can also be evaluated for herbal treatment during the same session. You should leave feeling relaxed and energized, although some patients report some fatigue after their first session.
Group or community-style acupuncture is performed in a larger space with several other patients present. The interview and treatment are abbreviated, but the treatments are still very effective. Points on the head, arms and legs below the elbows and knees, and hands and feet are employed, so clothes can remain on and in-place. For more on community-style acupuncture, see this write-up.
Shiatsu treatments begin with a brief interview about goals and symptoms, followed by a diagnosis made with abdominal palpation. The bodywork is performed on a massage table or on a cushioned mat on the floor. Patients should wear stretchy, soft, comfortable clothing, like sweats or yoga clothes, which fully cover them, including clean socks.
None of these treatments are expected to fully resolve your problem during one session, though we aim to have you feel better each time. Your prognosis and treatment plan will vary by what issue you’re trying to address, how severe it is, how long you’ve had it, and your age and general health.
Caitlin Isbister practices acupuncture and Chinese medicine on Mondays 3- 9pm, Tuesdays 9am- 3pm, and Thursdays 9am- 1pm. Her prices are here.
Jennifer Nery offers treatments for returning patients Sundays 10am- 4pm, Mondays 9am- 3pm, Tuesdays 3- 9pm, and Wednesdays 9am- 3pm. Please register on our scheduling software and sign up on her wait list to schedule an initial acupuncture session with her— she will reply to you with potential times. Her prices are here.
Nora Kennedy practices acupuncture and Chinese medicine at CLINIC Tuesdays 9am- 3pm and Thursdays 3- 9pm. Her price list is here.
Rachel Condon will be offering community acupuncture at CLINIC Mondays 1- 5pm, Tuesdays 11am- 5pm, and Saturdays 1- 5pm; they offer private sessions Wednesdays 10am- 3pm and Saturdays 10am- 1pm. Their prices are here.
Zia Sadeghian offers community acupuncture sessions at CLINIC Wednesdays and Thursdays 1- 5pm. Their prices are here.
Make your appointment for your Chinese medicine session at CLINIC Alternative Medicines. Health history and permissions will be included in your confirmation email.