– Lao-tzu
Your first visit is a key factor to establishing your case and generally last 90-120 minutes. Van will review with you the detailed health history you provided in the questionaires, perform a physical exam, ask additional questions, provide treatment and present an outline of your unique treatment plan.
During this visit Van will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. From the pre-visit questionnaires he will have gained important information about your symptoms, diet and eating habits, exercise, sleep habits, work and home environment, emotional states and anything that may offer insight into your health.
Van will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and TCM such as tongue & pulse diagnosis and Acugraph as well as biomedical inspection, auscultation, percussion and palpation. In some instances blood tests, urinalysis and/or imaging labs tests (x-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, etc) will be ordered. Some cases require that digital photos, video and/or audio records are taken for additional diagnostic analysis and assessment of progress. Digital video may be recorded of patients with conditions impacting motor functions. Video and/or audio may be recorded of patients with conditions impacting speech. Authorization for photos, video and/or audio is given by the patient signing a Consent for Mechanical Recorded Data Collection and all data collected is stored with medical records according to HIPPA regulations.
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Your treatment plan
Once Van has completed the assessment, you’ll receive a Report of Findings that includes a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain:
- Your underlying imbalances
- What types of treatment you will receive
- Referrals to other healthcare providers if necessary
- Requisitions forms for Lab Tests or Image Studies if necessary
- Your timeline of care and number of visits
Common Questions
How long will it take to see results or how many treatments are required?
The answer varies depending upon the disease or condition as well as the individual patient’s overall health and ability to follow the treatment protocols. The specific duration of treatment to obtain results will be determined after the initial assessment. Sometimes conditions are resolved or have significant improvements within the first few treatment and others may require several visits and combinations of modalities.
Sometimes it is necessary to gain additional information after the first visit to finalize your treatment plan. If so, you’ll be provided with detailed questionnaires or the request for your medical records.
How is Acupuncture Performed and how does the body respond?
The skin surface at the Acupoint(s) is cleaned using 70% alcohol or Chlora-Prep Swab. Then very thin sterile needles are painlessly inserted at the Acupoints. Some patients feel a warm, pressure or tingling sensation at the acupoint and/or along the meridian. As well you may feel sleepy or fall a sleep. These are normal responses and are result of “Qi’ moving in the body (activation of nervous, endocrine or immune system and the body’s own electricity.) The needles will remain in position for 15 -30 minutes then removed.
What Additional Therapies might I receive?
Depending upon your ailment you might receive cupping, Myofascial Release & cranio-sacral therapy, massage, deep tissue, electro-stim, microcurrent, Infared light, visual and/or sound therapy, binaural stimulation, essential oils or aromatherapy.
How much time is needed for the Follow-up Appointments?
will be indicated in your treatment plan. It will indicate the number visits and these appointments typically require 30-60 minutes.
Your role in the treatment process is an important factor to getting the most from your treatments. Here are a few things to keep in mind that have a significant impact:
- Please be on time for appointments
- Eat a small meal or snack before your visit
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes
- Be sure to ask any questions or express concerns with Van
- Refrain from overexertion or alcohol consumption after treatment for the remainder of the day
- Follow your treatment plan between visits
- Attend all of your appointments, as each visit builds upon the previous ones
Your actions are a key component of the success of your treatment plan. Focusing on your health and committing to a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take for your well-being. Herbal remedies and nutraceuticals are often another important aspect of healthcare and it is vital to understand and follow the directions in order to get the most benefit from these treatments. Together, you and Van can address your disorder, disease or imbalances and help you achieve greater health, healing and harmony.
Even after your symptoms are resolved the continuation of therapy may be needed to re-inforce the positive results and assist you in maintaining your health and prevent relapse. The more you incorporate these potent therapeutic modalities into your life, the more you’ll learn to support your body, mind, emotions and manage your health.
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Holistic and Natural Medicines are Not an Instant Fix !
True healing takes time and dedication. Depending on your current health and symptoms you could feel better right away or you may need treatments for weeks, months or years to achieve the results you want. Van can give you an idea of what to expect. With a little patience and an open mind, you’ll be on your way to health and vitality.
Acupuncture, TCM combined with Functional & Orthomolecular Medicine offer safe and effective holistic health care systems. These natural approaches can both resolve the root causes of a disease, restore function of a disorder, relieve or eliminate symptoms and overall enhance your well being.
By taking the right steps you are on the road to a healthier you!
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