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Your First Visit...

First-time patients can save time during their visit by downloading, printing and completing the health care form in advance. The information requested in this form will be extremely valuable in providing new patients with the best possible care. Please bring the completed forms with you to your first appointment.

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AcuTherapy

Health History Form

 

Mei Zen Facial Rejuvenation Health History Form

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Mei Zen Weight Control Health History Form

 

(Please note, you must have Adobe Reader installed on your computer to view these PDF files.)

During your session, I will thoroughly review your Health History and other patient forms that are provided here or were given to you when you first arrived at the clinic.  In reviewing these forms, we will discuss your chief concerns, medical history, lifestyle, other treatments you have tried or are currently using and your goals for treatment. I am always open to questions, so please don't hesitate to ask.

 

After our discussion we will talk about a course of treatment and then you will receive your first treatment. Sterile, disposable needles are placed at acupuncture points that have been chosen specifically for you.  Once the needles are placed you relax quietly for about 20-30 minutes. The majority of patients experience a deep sense of relaxation and often fall asleep during this time and wake up refreshed.  All acupuncture visits may include the use of adjunctive techniques when deemed appropriate, at no additional cost to the patient.

 

With some conditions, patients find immediate relief from their symptoms after acupuncture therapy while others may take a series of treatments. An individual treatment plan will be outlined for you, which will provide you with a clear idea of how many acupuncture sessions will be needed, and how often.  I am not only an acupuncturist; I am trained in a variety of therapeutic services. Take a look at all I provide!

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I look forward to partnering with you to address your health concerns and will do all I can to ensure that you achieve the most successful result possible for you.

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Things to do before and after acupuncture ...

Many people aren’t sure how to prepare for an acupuncture treatment or what they should do afterward.  Here is a short list of "DO's and DON'Ts" to help you maximize the benefits of your acupuncture therapy. Please, don't worry about sabotaging your acupuncture treatment by carrying on with your everyday activities, just consider taking this time to reduce additional stress and focus on your well-being.

Before Your Acupuncture Treatment...

  • Have a little something in your stomach before treatment.  An empty stomach can leave you distracted by hunger, feeling lightheaded, or physically depleted.  It is recommended that you eat about two hours before an acupuncture appointment and it is also a good rule of thumb to generally eat well and not skip meals.

 

  • Substances can change your diagnostic signs.  Under no circumstances will I treat a patient under the influence of alcohol or marijuana.  These substances impair the senses and as such, fight against the benefits of acupuncture, which is trying to help you see situations and your symptoms with more clarity.  Smoking works against your attempts to heal and puts you at risk for serious health complications; consider the "smoking cessation" protocol.  Coffee is a stimulant and has been shown to release norepinephrine and epinephrine, which kick your body into fight-or-flight mode. Acupuncture works to shift you away from that sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state and toward a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) one, so coffee inhibits the process. It also makes it difficult for the acupuncturist to get accurate readings on your pulse and tongue, since coffee increases your heart rate and stains your tongue.  Additionally, caffeine increases cortisol firing and could increase the pain you feel from needle insertion.  Please try not to drink coffee before your treatment.

     

  • Fragrances, colognes, perfumes, essential oils, etc., can be stimulating, but some of my patients are sensitive to smells and so I ask that you refrain from wearing any scents when coming in for your treatment.

     

  • In order to receive the best treatment possible, I may need to access particular areas of the body.   This may require you to roll up sleeves and pant legs, so wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding excessive jewelry will help in the process.

     

  • Try to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your appointment to avoid rushing.  There may be additional paperwork to be completed so arriving at your appointed time amped-up is counterproductive.  I understand your time is important to you, as is mine.  I strive to keep appointments at their scheduled time so patients will not be kept waiting. As unforeseen conflicts can occur, please contact the clinic at least twenty-four hours in advance if you need to reschedule your appointment, and to avoid late cancellation fees.

 

  • Use the bathroom before your appointment and before you get into the treatment room.

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  • Remember, this is your time to focus on your healing, so please turn off your cell phone during your treatment and try to relax as much as possible.  Make it count!

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After Your Acupuncture Treatment 

  • Resume your normal activities. Understand that you may feel a little more relaxed than usual. Try not to eat a heavy meal afterwards.  You should also avoid alcohol and recreational drugs withing six hours after your treatment.

 

  • Workout easily. Please do not engage in heavy exercise, sexual activity. These activities will interfere with the effectiveness of that treatment.  By avoiding strenuous or rigorous routines, your body has an opportunity to process the treatment and allow for the integration necessary for improved health.

     

  • Ice is not a good thing after acupuncture. Icing slows down the effects of acupuncture.  Treatments are designed to get energy and blood circulating.  Cold contracts things and slows them down.

     

  • Follow through with other appointments.  In fact, acupuncture is an excellent complementary therapy to massage, physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments.  If these treatments are on the same day as your acupuncture, please be sure all practitioners are aware of these appointments so that treatment can be adjusted to enhance your therapy. 

 

  • Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment.  Pay close attention to changes in your condition such as:  if, and/or how it has changed (decreased or increased), how long the change occurred, whether it has moved, changed in quality or frequency, or if you do not notice any change at all.  This information helps me with my treatment construction plan.

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