Welcome To the Community Acupuncture Clinic at the Teal Center
We are so happy you are here. We have put together this letter to answer some of the most common questions we get about the clinic!
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that uses our bodies’ own energy to access our innate abilities to heal ourselves. This is accomplished by using -among other techniques- tiny needles inserted into the skin and underlying tissue, to move Qi- our vital energy- through the meridians in our bodies.
What is community acupuncture?
In most settings in the west, acupuncture is performed in a private room, much like when one receives a massage. In community acupuncture many people are treated simultaneously in one large room. This is the way acupuncture is administered in most places in the east. By treating patients in a community setting, more people can be treated in the same amount of time, and costs can be greatly reduced, thus making this type of medicine more accessible to more people. Because the acupuncture channels give us access to the core of the body, points on the arms, legs, and head can be used for treatment, and there is no need to disrobe. Please remember to wear loose, comfortable clothing so that we can easily access the points we need. Most any condition that can be treated with private acupuncture can also be treated in the community setting.
What should I expect in my first treatment?
The first time you come for any acupuncture treatment your acupuncturist will do a comprehensive intake. Because the intake is done in the community room, we ask everyone to keep their voices down, to maintain privacy and serenity in the room. To keep make this process efficient, please make sure to have filled out your intake forms online! After this intake the acupuncturist will devise a treatment plan, show you to a table, and insert needles, after which you will be able to relax amongst other patients while your body does the work!
How long does it take for acupuncture to work?
If you have ever had a massage, you know that while you usually feel relaxed right after, an injury or ailment can take a number of treatments to improve. This is also the case with acupuncture, and long-standing illness can take longer treatment. It is common for acupuncture treatment to take 5-10 treatments once or twice a week to see substantial improvement or resolution. We are committed to the work of healing and ask that you also be committed with your time and patience.
Anything else I should know about the clinic?
In the interest of keeping a community minded space please speak to your acupuncturist in hushed tones and refrain from conversations with other patients. Please do not wear perfume or other strongly scented lotions or oils. Please do wear loose comfortable clothing, keep your personal belongings with you, and turn off your cell phone. We also invite you to bring your own blanket if you think you might get cold during treatment.
Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine Informed Consent
Please take time to read this form, which will provide you with some basic information about acupuncture treatment.
Important Things to Keep in Mind Regarding Acupuncture Treatment:
- Always feel free to communicate with your practitioner about what you are experiencing during the treatment or any questions you may have about the treatment. If you experience dizziness, nausea, a cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment, please tell your acupuncturist immediately. These symptoms may occur and are generally caused by anxiety when receiving acupuncture for the first time.
- Clients experience a wide variety of sensations when receiving acupuncture treatment. You may not feel much, or you may feel a small, sharp sensation as the needle is inserted. Once the needles are in, it is common to feel a sense of general relaxation, tingling, movement, temperature change, or mild achiness at the site of a needle or elsewhere; these are all positive signs that your body is responding to treatment. If a needle ever continues to feel sharp past the moment of insertion, let your acupuncturist know so that the needle can be adjusted to a more comfortable position.
- While the needles are in place, relax and breathe fully, but do not change your position or move suddenly, as you may experience some discomfort at the needle sites.
- You will be more comfortable during your treatment if you have eaten prior to the session but are not excessively full.
Acupuncture and Related Techniques
I understand that I may be treated with one or more of the following techniques. I understand that not all techniques are indicated for every person or condition, and I am free to ask my practitioner for more information about techniques to be used in my treatment.
- Insertion of needles into the body at various depths and locations.
Application of heat to the skin using moxa (an herb) or a conventional heat lamp
- A massage technique called "gua sha." This treatment leaves redness on the skin that may last from 1-5 days. Slight bruising or tenderness may persist after treatment.
- Cupping to promote circulation. Cups may produce a red/purple color on the area treated lasting for 1-5 days
- Electrical stimulation of the needles using an electro-acupuncture device
- The expression of a few drops of blood from an acupuncture point may be performed to improve circulation. A lancet is inserted into the skin and a few drops of blood are expressed.
- Therapeutic herbal consultation: Herbal and nutritional supplements (which are derived from plant, animal, and mineral sources) that may be recommended are traditionally considered safe in the practice of Chinese Medicine. I understand that some herbs may be inappropriate during pregnancy. If I experience any gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions to the herbs, I will inform my acupuncturist
Infectious Disease Prevention
I understand that my acupuncturist uses only sterile, single-use, disposable needles and follows universally prescribed precautions such as clean needle technique and hand washing to prevent the transmission of infectious disease.
Risks / Possible Side Effects
I understand that in some cases acupuncture may result in certain side effects, including local bruising, slight bleeding, dizziness, fainting, minor burns resulting from the use of heat therapies, temporary pain or discomfort, and/or temporary aggravation of symptoms existing prior to treatment.
Patient Responsibilities
I understand that it is my responsibility as a patient to inform my acupuncturist about all aspects of my health and, as treatment progresses, to inform my practitioner of changes that occur. If I experience any pain, discomfort, or possible adverse side effects, it is my responsibility to immediately notify my practitioner.
I acknowledge that I am ultimately responsible for my own health and self-care. Making healthy lifestyle choices can substantially support my healing process and enhance the outcome of the acupuncture treatments I receive.
Confidentiality
I understand that the confidentiality of my file and the information I share in the course of treatment will be honored and preserved. I acknowledge that my practitioner is ethically and legally required to report certain information pertaining to the abuse of minors and elders or serious threats of violence.
Treatment Outcomes
I understand that each individual responds uniquely to treatment and, for this reason, my practitioner cannot guarantee the outcome of treatment. Some individuals experience total or partial relief of their symptoms after the first few treatments. Others notice a steady, gradual improvement. Occasionally, some people notice that their symptoms seem to worsen before they improve. I agree to share my responses with my acupuncturist at each follow-up visit so that my treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly.
Acknowledgment for Community Acupuncture
I understand that community acupuncture treatment occurs in a room with multiple other patients. I understand that there will not be dividers or curtains between treatment tables or chairs, and that patients will be able to see each other during treatment. I understand that due to the nature of community acupuncture, the acupuncturist will choose point prescriptions that are limited to areas of the body that are easily accessible and will help maintain modesty. I understand that patient intakes will be done in the community acupuncture room and that both the patient and acupuncturist will do their best to keep their voices down to maintain patient privacy. In all cases I understand that community acupuncture does not offer the same level of privacy provided by private acupuncture.
By signing this informed consent form, I acknowledge that I have read the information above carefully and that I consent to receive acupuncture treatment.