Welcome
to
Sorenson
Acupuncture – Community Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture
and how does it work?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest,
most commonly used systems of healing in the world. Originating in China some
4,000 years ago, only in the last three decades has it become popular in the
United States.
Traditional Chinese medicine holds
that there are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, which are
connected by 20 pathways called meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or
qi (pronounced "chee"), between the surface of the body and its
internal organs. Each point has a different effect on the qi that passes
through it. Qi is believed to help regulate balance in the body. It is
influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang, which represent positive and
negative energy and forces in the universe and human body. Acupuncture is
believed to keep the balance between yin and yang, thus allowing for the normal
flow of qi throughout the body and restoring health to the mind and body.
What is Community
Acupuncture?
Community Acupuncture is acupuncture
in a group setting. Patients relax in reclining chairs, and distal points
(primarily elbow to hand, knee to foot, and head) are used for treatment. We
feel this is the ideal treatment setting for several reasons: by treating
multiple patients at a time, the cost of the practitioner’s time can be shared,
making acupuncture more affordable; the relaxing group environment allows for
shared healing to occur.
Acupuncture treatments can provide:
a deeply relaxing experience, alleviate pain, balance the digestive, immune,
respiratory, reproductive and nervous systems, and activate the body’s innate
healing mechanism. Chinese medicine is also preventative medicine. The
Community Acupuncture clinic, where regular or frequent treatments are
affordable for most incomes, presents an opportunity to benefit from regular
treatment. People who come for routine “maintenance” treatments (once per
month) report fewer illnesses, better sleep and digestion.
What does it cost?
We believe that access to healthcare
should be available to everyone who needs it. Lack of access puts a strain on
the individual, which leads to an eventual strain on the family, which in turn
leads to a strain on our community as a whole.
The purpose of our sliding scale is
to separate the issues of money and treatment; we want you to come in often
enough to really get better and stay better! We understand that everyone’s
situation is different, and our primary goal is to make acupuncture available
to you as often as you need it.
As mentioned, we know that everyone
has different financial circumstances, and we feel that your finances are your
own business. That is why our scale is 'suggested'. You decide what you can
afford.
Keep in mind that we also have
families and financial obligations, so please pay what you can. This way you
get the treatment that you need as often as you need it, and we get to keep
providing it for you. We hope this will be a sustaining arrangement from which
everyone benefits.
Support us so we can support you!
Before your treatment:
Be
sure to wear loose, comfortable clothes that can pull up and allow access to
the lower leg (Knees to feet) and forearm (Elbows to fingers). It’s also a good
idea to have something to eat within an hour or so of your treatment. Also,
part of the diagnosis involves looking at your tongue and complexion, so if you
brush your tongue or usually wear make-up, try to skip it the day of your treatment
to allow a more realistic assessment. Fill out necessary paperwork and try to
arrive a few minutes early to relax and check in.
When you arrive:
Relax, calm
down, and clear your mind… drink some water and visit the restroom if you need to. On the
reception desk you’ll find an envelope waiting for you with your name
on it. Put your payment in the envelope and drop it through the slot in the payment
box. Be sure to let us know if you need change. When you’re finished checking
in, take a comfortable seat in the community space and wait for your
Acupuncturist.
Your first visit:
This
is the
opportunity for your acupuncturist to meet you and discuss your health.
I'll go over your health history and talk about your current condition.
The initial intake only takes 10-15 minutes and is conducted in a private. Next, you will walk to the treatment room and select an available recliner, remove shoes, socks, and jewelry, placing them under your recliner, sit down, and relax. Now its time for your treatment. The whole process will take about an hour to an hour and a half
On your return visits:
Choose
any available recliner and remove your shoes, etc., and place them under your recliner. You may also roll up
your pant legs and sleeves if necessary. Your acupuncturist will greet you and
discreetly ask about your health and the progress of your condition. He’ll feel
your pulses and take a look at your tongue and place your needles. Plan on about an hour.
Sensations:
It’s common during insertion to feel slight prick that will usually subside within a few seconds. This may feel
like a single hair being plucked from your head. If any discomfort persists, the needle will be removed,
and we’ll try that point again later in the treatment. Your comfort is
important to us, so please communicate what’s going on. Once the needle is inserted, you may feel a dull ache, a warm tingling sensation, or pulsing that may travel up or down from the area of insertion. This means that the point is being
activated and is not only normal, but expected. Most sensations will subside
quickly and you may even forget that the needles are there!
Pain is not a part of the therapeutic response. If you feel
a sharp or poking sensation that lasts more than a few seconds, let us know.
Possible reactions:
After your acupuncturist removes the needles, take your time getting up and
composing yourself to re-enter the outside world. Some people feel rejuvenated
& energized, others report a ‘spacey, blissed out feeling’ after
acupuncture. It’s not uncommon to feel tired after the treatment, so plan your
day accordingly. Bruising at the needle site happens occasionally, and points may
continue to ache for a while following treatment. These are all normal reactions, but take
note of how you respond to acupuncture and give your acupuncturist feedback on
any positive or adverse reactions.
Cancellation Policy:
If for any reason you need to cancel or reschedule an
appointment, we ask for 24 hours notice or you will be expected to pay for
that appointment.
Confidentiality:
Your confidentiality is important to us. That’s
why we don’t use your full name in the appointment book or on your envelope.
If you happen to overhear somebody discussing personal information with their acupuncturist, please treat that information with the same respect and confidence you would want in return. None of your personal information is shared or disclosed without your
permission.
Privacy:
Since
several people are being treated in the same
room at once it is vital that we work together to respect your privacy
and the
privacy of others. Your intake will be done in a soft voice and there
is
ambient music and an aquarium to drown out the discussion of any
sensitive
issues. Let me know if there are certain topics that need extra
discretion ad if the private room is available, we can spend a couple
private minutes prior to your treatment.
If you prefer/need more 2-3 minutes private time with me, consider booking a schedule a "Private" treatment. Private room treatments may be scheduled for $60.00 per session.