Your First Visit to HighPoint Healing and Wellness
Congratulations on taking this important step in your healing journey.
Preparing for Your Acupuncture Appointment
Before Your First Visit
Spend some time thinking about what you would like to achieve from your acupuncture treatment. What are your expectations? What questions or concerns do you have about acupuncture? Jot down a few notes to bring with you to your first visit. The more openly we can communicate, the better I can help you and the more benefit you will receive.
Be realistic. If you have several conditions or symptoms you would like to address, please rank them. On your first visit to the clinic, I will ask you primarily about your chief complaint. Secondary issues will also be noted and addressed as treatment progresses.
Start noticing how you feel each day and make a few notes. With respect to your chief complaint, try to answer these questions:
When did this condition first appear? Is this a new condition or a recurring illness?
What brought it on? What triggers it?
Is your condition getting worse?
To what degree does it interfere with your daily routine, work or sleep?
What aggravates it? What provides relief?
What time of day does it bother you the most? the least?
Be as descriptive and specific as possible. For example, "pain" and "discomfort" are very general words. Chinese medicine recognizes subtle distinctions in different types of pain. Burning pain is not the same as pain that has a stabbing sensation.
Listed below are some words you might use to distinguish your particular pain.
Sharp
Dull and achy
Constant
Burning
Contracting/Tight
Heavy
Radiating (from where?)
Intermittent
Stabbing
Distending
Numb
Pins & needles
No feeling
Wandering
Pounding
If none of these are appropriate, try coming up with your own words. If you are having difficulty describing your pain in words, try visualizing it or drawing a picture, and then describe what you see.
On the Day of Your Appointment
When you arrive to the office, you will be asked to fill out a complete health history. If you wish you can download the forms here. It is recommended that you complete them before the visit or arrive 15 minutes early to complete the forms. Please come prepared with a list of any current medications, test results, and ready to answer detailed questions about yourself. It is very important to give as much information as possible, not just the current symptoms, as the treatments are holistic, treating the Whole person, not just the symptoms.
Your first visit to Highpoint Healing & Wellness may take 90 to 120 minutes. A follow-up appointment typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes. When you make an appointment, please understand that the time has been reserved for you. Please arrive on time for all of your appointments.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up to your elbows or knees. Acupuncture points are located all over the body. Many of the acupuncture points that are commonly used are located between the wrists and elbows, and the ankles and knees. You will be more comfortable if your clothing can be easily rolled up to your elbows and knees. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. If necessary, a gown will be provided.
Please remember to arrive on time for your appointment so that you may benefit fully. There may be a charge for missed appointments without 24 hours notice.
After the Treatment
After the treatment, you will be asked to schedule a follow up appointment. For some conditions, you will need to be seen for weekly or biweekly for a few visits, while for others you will need to be seen less that that.
Issues that have taken longer to arise or that have been in place for some time usually take longer to correct.
Herbs and other remedies will be dispensed. You will also receive appropriate advice on dietary and lifestyle modifications that will assist you on our healing journey.
