Ok, so it’s sounding good and you think you’d like to try it? Wonderful! I’d love to be of help.
Here are the details you need to know:
If you are coming for acupuncture, you need to start with a First Session. This is a longer session which allows us to have a full intake conversation and get started with treatment. After that it will most likely be best for you to come for one-hour Regular Sessions once a week. For how long? It varies a bit from person to person, but expect to have weekly sessions for about 4-8 weeks.
If you just want to experience a session but are not sure about acupuncture or whether you are ready for a series, or if you know that you just want Zero Balancing, you can sign up for a Regular Session right off the bat.
Please contact me directly to plan your session.
You can reach out to me by email (Doren@DorenDay.com) or by text (215.360.2515) to introduce yourself and we will find a time for you to come in or to have a conversation to answer your questions about how this might work for you.
If this is your first appointment, please fill out my Client Intake forms before you arrive, if possible. You can download these here, or you can fill them out in person when you come if you prefer.
Want the rest of the details about what to expect and how I run my practice? Read on..
What Can I Expect?
I imagine you would like to know what to expect in terms of how much relief and healing will happen for you. Acupuncture has been shown to be very effective for a wide range of problems. The healing process happens differently for each individual, however. There are no guarantees with acupuncture or with any other healing method. It is my experience that within the first three treatments we will both have a sense of whether you are getting a good response.
How Often Should I Come?
Each treatment builds on the previous one. I recommend that new clients schedule weekly treatments for the first 4-8 weeks. Once your energy is balanced and holding from one week to the next, sessions can then be extended to every other week and gradually further apart until you are coming only monthly or seasonally for maintenance. Please bring your calendar to the first treatment so that we can schedule your first series of appointments.
Your First Visit
Your first visit is a time for me to understand your reasons for seeking treatment and to assess your current condition. We will begin with an in-depth interview covering a wide range of topics. Please do not wear make-up or any scented products to this appointment. Plan an hour and a half for this appointment. The fee for it is $185.
Subsequent Visits
Subsequent sessions will begin with a time for you to communicate your progress and your concerns. I will check your pulses to assess your energy flow that day. Each treatment will consist of 4 to 8 points that support our overall treatment goals. Other modalities may be included such as Zero Balancing bodywork, acupressure, Somatic Experiencing or Medical Qi Gong. The changes that you feel during a treatment can be subtle or profound. These sessions will take about 1 hour, the fee is $135.
On the Day of Treatment
It is best to avoid excesses on the day of treatment in order to get the maximum benefit. It is best not to eat a heavy meal just before or after a treatment, or arrive too hungry. If possible, avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, very hot or cold bathing, extreme exercise, etc. You may want some time to relax afterwards or to have an early bedtime that night.
Tools and Techniques
Acupuncture involves the use of tiny needles inserted just below the surface of the skin. The needles are very thin, barely more than the width of a human hair. When the needle is inserted a very slight prick may be felt; when the needle contacts the energy, the sensation may vary from a pull to a buzz or small ache. These sensations are very brief. The needles are made of surgical stainless steel, are pre-sterilized and disposed of after each use. I also often use Moxa, an herb (Atemesia Vulgaris) used to warm acupuncture points by, placing a small lit cone on the skin to be removed when you feel warmth.
Zero Balancing
With Zero-Balancing, I use hands-on pressure and gentle traction on areas of tension in the bones, joints and soft tissue to create points of balance around which the body can relax and reorganize. Zero Balancing can help relieve body aches and pain, release restriction in movement, and provide lasting relief from emotional distress. A Zero Balancing session leaves you with a wonderful feeling of inner harmony and integration. I often add a few minutes of Zero Balancing at the end of a regular acupuncture session. You can also schedule a session of purely Zero Balancing.
Medical Treatment and Medications
If you are currently taking any medication, continue taking it exactly as you have been. Acupuncture is meant to work with the other care that you may be receiving. If and when it is appropriate, you can discuss reducing your medication with your physician and follow their guidance in doing so. If you have a medical emergency, please contact your personal physician or an emergency care facility. I would like to be informed of your condition and to be told of the instructions you are given by your doctor.
Payment Policies
My policies about payment are as follows: I expect payment at the time service is rendered. I accept cash and checks and most credit cards, including HSA and Flex Spending cards. I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Please let me know if you need to change your appointment at least 24 hours in advance. Unless you are in an emergency situation, you will be charged $55 for appointments that you do not keep.
Availability
At times during our work together I may ask you to check in with me or you may have a response that you would like to talk with me about. Please feel free to call me at 215.360.2515 any time you would like. If you leave a message, I will return it within a day. Texting me at the same number is a good way to rearrange appointment times when needed. You may also communicate with me by email at Doren@DorenDay.com