New Patient Information and FAQs
Information for New Patients of Yin Acupuncture
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy: We do ask that you try to cancel or reschedule all appointments with 24 or more hours notice. No shows will be sent a bill for the full amount of the missed appointment. Same day cancellations will be auto-billed $55.
COVID SAFETY INFORMATION
Please be sure to read our Covid-19 Information page that explains all of the office protocols and procedures.
Below is a list of what is expected of each patient during their visit.
- At your appointment, if the office door is closed, please wait outside of the office on the chair in the hall and Jennifer will be out to greet you as soon as she is ready.
- Mask wearing : at this time, mask wearing is optional.
NEW PATIENTS MUST FILL OUT THE HEALTH INTAKE FORM PRIOR TO THEIR FIRST VISIT
The initial consultation and treatment are the foundations of your therapy. Chinese medicine is a detailed system that is designed to reveal the connections between symptoms, organ functions, emotional states, environmental influences, and lifestyle habits. It is important that as practitioners, we take the time to learn about your specific concerns, and understand how they relate to the way your body is functioning in all aspects of health. This appointment is for you to be heard and understood so that the best treatment strategy can be created with your highest potential in mind.
Once you have been evaluated, consecutive sessions will be focused on treatment. Each session will begin with a brief communication about your progress.
TREATMENT PLANS
Most patients come to acupuncture with symptoms of pain, discomfort or dysfunction. In this phase, it is recommended that you are treated no less than once weekly. For severe symptoms, 2 treatments per week may be recommended. We will check in about your progress during each visit. You may experience total relief at this point, or a reduction in symptoms with more work to do. Because we want you to experience your full health potential, it is recommended to continue in phase 1 until you are closer to your goal.
Treatment phase 2 * Maintaining Wellness*:
Once symptoms are significantly reduced, most people are ready for a treatment plan that is about keeping your body in a balanced state. Many people benefit the most from their frequent visits and continue as they have been. When people decide to reduce frequency, it is recommended that they start by scheduling their next treatment 2 weeks from their last one and taper from there. Maintenance treatments vary from weekly to monthly or simply as needed based on individual need and personal preference.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Please wear pants (or shorts) that are flexible or loose enough to bring the pant leg up and over the knee. If you are experiencing shoulder, neck or upper back pain, women are asked to wear or bring a tank top to change into.
Most often, people are pleasantly surprised to realize there is little sensation that comes with the insertion of the acupuncture needles. This is because most of our sensory nerves are superficial and the insertion moves very quickly past these nerves. Once the needles are past the surface, you may feel a heavy sensation or a momentary dull ache and this is a desirable effect. For most, these sensations are not unpleasant. Once all of the needles are inserted, patients rest very comfortably for up to 40 minutes depending on the treatment.
How many needles are used in a treatment?
Most treatments are done with 10-20 needles.
Should I keep my appointment if I am sick?
In order to keep the environment as free from pathogens as possible, we ask that patients who are coming down with what feels like a cold or flu to please reschedule. Please read the Covid 19 office protocols and patient responsibilities
YES. Acupuncture is extremely safe when administered by a fully trained, certified and licensed professional. Please notify your practitioner if you could be pregnant, have had breast cancer, or if you are taking any blood thinning medications. All needles are sterilized and come sealed in their package. They are FDA approved, and one time use only. Once a needle is removed from a patient it goes directly into a biohazard container.
In order to become nationally certified and state licensed, an acupuncturist has to complete a master’s degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine from an accredited school. Masters’ degrees in this field require a minimum of 3 years of study in a full time program, ranging from 2,500-3000 hours of course work, including 1 full year of clinical internship. Furthermore, a national board exam must be passed in order to become a licensed practitioner.
Most patients feel a sense of relaxation directly after their treatment. Symptoms are sometimes dramatically decreased after one session and other times symptoms may persist until several treatments have been administered. If your symptoms decrease but relief does not last, this is completely normal and typical. Repetition of acupuncture therapy is what allows the body to change and retain results. Occasionally, acupuncture can cause a small bruise at the site of where a needle was placed. This is normal. Patients who take blood thinning medication can expect to bruise more often than others.
Can I take medication while receiving acupuncture treatments?
YES. Our philosophy is that acupuncture is a complimentary therapy. There is no risk to having acupuncture at the same time as taking medications. It is always recommended that you see your medical doctor for any concerns or questions pertaining to prescribed medications. We believe in an integrated approach between bio-medicine, Chinese medicine and other holistic therapies.
Because acupuncturists are holistic health practitioners, in accordance with the Massachusetts Board of Medicine, Committee on Acupuncture, who sets the guidelines and administers licenses for the state of Massachusetts, acupuncturists may also offer adjunct therapies such as cupping, guasha, massage and reflexology and also the following: “1. oriental nutritional counseling, herbology, and the recommendation of nonprescription substances which meet the Food and Drug Administration labeling requirements as dietary supplements to promote health. 2. recommendation of breathing techniques and therapeutic exercises; and 3. lifestyle, behavioral, supportive, educational and stress counseling”.
Many plans do cover acupuncture. You will need to check your individual plan. If acupuncture is covered, payment in full is due at your time of service. You will then be administered a specific receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, charge or flexible spending cards.
Be Sure to Complete Your New Patient Intake Form
Completing your new patient intake form at home ahead of time will enable us to dedicate the full consultation to discussing your unique needs and wellness goals rather than completing paperwork.
