What to Expect!
Preparing for your first visit!
Here’s how it works:
First, you'll fill out a very extensive intake form before your initial appointment. Your first initial appointment will be a 90 minute consultation where I will ask you questions about your chief complaint and various other questions to get to know your medical history better to create a baseline for your health status.
Next, we will discuss how many follow-up appointments to expect, any nutritional recommendations and/or herbal supplement recommendations. Acute conditions can be 1-3 follow up treatments to see functional improvement. Most can expect 6-12 treatments to see functional improvement when dealing with more chronic conditions, then moving onto as needed basis.
After your first treatment we will discuss whether your follow up treatments should be 20, 40, or 60 minutes long. In addition, how often you should return, three times a week to one time a month.
Please wear loose or comfortable clothing so there is easy and comfortable access to your legs and arms for treatment. Make sure you have had something to eat before your appointment, or at least a light snack if it has been 5-6 hours since your last meal. Arrive 5 minutes early to your appointment in case there is anything you need to complete with the front desk prior to.
FAQs
How does acupuncture work?
Our bodies when in good health are made to heal themselves. The more wear and tear and our lifestyle choices bring unbalance to the body so we are not able to heal ourselves and that is when disease sets in. Acupuncture works with these energy systems in our body that help oversee the healing and brings the body back into homeostasis or balance so that it can heal itself again.
The food we eat and things we put on and in our bodies also facilitate balance and imbalance in our healing. Herbal formulas help supplement the body with what we are missing from our diet so the body has the proper “energy fuel” flowing through the body to keep us healthy and balanced.
What can acupuncture help with?
Because acupuncture focuses on fixing the entire body's energy system, acupuncture is beneficial for any and all diseases.
Shamiso’s specializes in Women’s Gynecological Issues (menstrual and menopausal), Men’s and Women’s Reproductive Issues, pain and sports medicine, neuropathy, surgery recovery, stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, PTSD, gastrointestinal issues, autoimmune issues, stroke, vertigo, cold/flus, infections of the ear, throat, gastro, reproductive (especially good for children with recurring issues), and poison (animals, insects, plants), just to name a few.
Acupuncture can also help with Sciatic, Hip, Back, Shoulder, Neck Pain
Neurological Issues, Hemorrhoids, Ulcers, Cysts, Urinary Issues and Infections, Allergies, Respiratory Issues, Stroke, Vertigo, Parkinsons, Bell’s Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Cancer Side effects. Shamiso has experience with treating all these conditions.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture does not hurt. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin. So small you can flick it and it will move. Most people do not feel the acupuncture needle when it goes in. Once inserted you will feel the Qi (energy) arrive at the site. This sensation may feel like a tingle, warmth, cooling, or heavy sensation. All of these are good reactions. We all have the same design but everyone’s internal circular and neurological pathways are slightly different. So rarely, the needle will touch a nerve producing a burning sensation. Just let the Acupuncturist know and just a millimeter of adjustment will make the sensation go away in less than 30 seconds.
Can I exercise before/after treatment?
It is recommended to receive acupuncture after working out. Acupuncture has a sedative and relaxing effect which makes it ideal to have after a workout session. Exercising can also scatter the body's Qi (energy), which could potentially slightly lower the effect of the acupuncture treatment. But it will not cause any adverse effects if you get acupuncture prior to exercise.
Is Acupuncture beneficial with massage, stretching, yoga, etc?
Acupuncture before a massage or stretch session (day before or same day) is HIGHLY recommended. Acupuncture naturally relaxes the body giving you deeper and more effective results from a massage or stretch session.
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