What to Expect

Treatment is always flexible. If one or another modality does not suit your needs another solution can be found. Understanding and being comfortable with your course of treatment is important, so feel free to call with questions, or bring them up during your session.

What happens at your appointment?

Upon arriving at Apricot Grove you will generally find easy, free parking right in front of the building. Ring the bell to the right of the door and come up to the second floor. We're the first door on the left.

Come in and you will be greeted in the pleasant reception area. Help yourself to a cup of tea or some water, you won't have to wait long.

Your appointment will begin with a discussion of how you would like to improve your health, including any condition that brought you to the clinic, your previous health history and your short and long term goals for treatment. Through careful questioning, observation of your tongue, listening to your pulse, and palpation of problem areas, we will make a detailed investigation into the root cause of your condition.

This information is synthesized into a precise diagnosis, therapeutic principles are selected, a course of therapy is proposed, and treatment follows.

Treatment consists of one or more of the following:

acupuncture, herbal medicine, vacuum cupping, massage and bodywork, and diet, lifestyle and exercise recommendations, depending on your individual needs.

Acupuncture:

During an acupuncture treatment you will be shown to a comfortable private treatment room, basic elements of the treatment will be explained to you, and the appropriate points for treatment will be located with special attention to any sore or painful areas. Treatment time is about 15-40 minutes depending on the nature of the condition. Most patients report this to be a relaxing experience and many enter a dreamlike state, or even fall sleep.
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Herbal medicine:

Herbal formulas are individually tailored to meet the specifications of your diagnosis. We typically select 5-15 herbs to work synergistically, treating all aspects of your condition. The individual ingredients balance and harmonize one another preventing any unwanted effects. Packets of herbs are taken home and prepared into a soup or 'tea'. This method of preparation provides the best results and optimal flexibility. In some cases a powdered or pill preparations may be used.
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Vacuum cupping:

A vacuum is created in glass or plastic cups which are applied to your skin at areas of discomfort. Applied in conjunction with an acupuncture treatment, cupping is used to relieve soreness and pain, stretch deep lying tissues, restore proper blood flow, and improve microcirculation.
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Massage and bodywork:

Therapeutic bodywork is employed when appropriate as part of your acupuncture session. Separate 60 and 90-minute massage sessions, in various styles, are also available by appointment.
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Diet, lifestyle and exercise recommendations:

Small changes in habits and lifestyle can bring about big changes in our health. During the course of treatment, recommendations are made for ways in which you can be more active in bringing about your health goals.
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