New Patient Info

What can I expect as a New Patient?

As a new patient, you will spend 1.5 to 2 hours with Dawn Balusik.  She will personally review your entire health history, as well as your current health concerns. In addition to a lengthy health questionnaire (which you can download above) you will also be asked questions verbally. Though some questions may not seem relevant to your main health concern, each answer helps to paint a picture of your overall pattern of imbalance, which is essential to determining your Oriental medical diagnosis and treatment strategy. Please be sure to disclose all pharmaceutical medication and supplements that you are taking, so Dawn Balusik can be sure to avoid any herb-drug interactions.

Another part of the diagnosis process involves feeling the pulses on both of your wrists, as well as looking at your tongue, which serves as a map of your internal body. Dawn may also palpate your abdomen and any major areas of discomfort you may have. Drawing from all of this information, Dawn will make a diagnosis and form a treatment strategy for you. Then you will receive your first acupuncture treatment and most patients go home with dietary recommendations as well as Chinese herbs and/or nutritional supplementation.

How many treatments will I need?

Depending on the severity of your condition, how long you've had it, and how healthy you are otherwise, you will return for follow-up treatments from 2 times per week to 2 times per month, with treatments less frequent as time goes on. For most patients, weekly visits are sufficient until the symptoms subside. Generally, 8 to 20 weekly treatments are sufficient to make a significant difference in most conditions. Then visit frequency is reduced.

Though everyone responds differently to treatment, the general rule of thumb is that for as many years as you've had a problem, it will take that many months of treatment to clear it up. Some people and some conditions heal faster, some take longer.

Do I need to do anything special before my Acupuncture Treatment?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. If you are wearing long sleeves or pants, please be sure that they can be comfortably pulled up over your elbows and knees.

It is best to have eaten a light meal or snack shortly before coming in for treatment. You don’t want to be uncomfortably full, but, it is also not good to be hungry during your treatment; both massage therapy and acupuncture can lower your blood sugar level.

*Please do not drink alcohol before or immediately after your treatment.

Do I need to do anything special after my Acupuncture Treatment?

Avoid hot showers, vigorous workouts and sexual activity for at least 8 to 12 hours after your acupuncture treatment, since these activities can disrupt the effects of the treatment, as can drinking alcohol or partaking of any type of mood altering substance, apart from prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Also, after your first treatment, be aware of how you are feeling. It is important for you to be aware of any changes in symptoms or conditions between treatments. Sometimes even the smallest details are important in understanding your progress.

Sensitivity may last for a short time where the needles were inserted. Occasionally, bruising may develop at the insertion point. If so, apply a hot compress or linament to the bruised area. It is temporary and will clear up on its own.

Take your herbs as directed. This will ensure the best possible results. If you have any questions about how you are responding to the herbs, please call the office. Due to the fibrous nature of some of the herbal tablets, dosages may need to be adjusted until your digestive system is used to them. On rare occasion, bloating, gas or changes in elimination may be experienced; if any of these symptoms last more than a day or two, please call to discuss an adjustment in dosage.

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