The frequency and number of treatments vary with the type of condition, time of onset, severity of illness, the patient's constitution, as well as associated ailments occurring in the same person.

Most conditions in our practice respond within 6-12 weekly treatments, but fewer or more sessions may be required at times.

For very severe conditions, treatments may be advised at a rate of 2-3 per week initially and for those patients responding with an 80-90% improvement, longer intervals extending to 2-4 weeks may be suggested until complete resolution occurs.

Estimated time per office visit is approximately 1 hour with needles left in place for 20-30 minutes. All needles are disposable and, due to their very thin caliber (8-10 times thinner than your average injection or blood-drawing needles) are barely felt by most patients and, if so, only momentarily. Once the needles are inserted, discomfort is usually not reported and the majority of patients doze off into a restful nap. For recent onset conditions, only 1 or 2 treatments may be required and for health maintenance, 2-4 visits a year are the norm.

There are virtually no side effects to acupuncture except for minor changes in sleep, digestive or urinary functions and emotional state (transiently tearful and tired, or often giggly and full of energy).  Minor bleeding after the needles are removed or a small "black and blue spot" may occassionally occur. For best results, refrain from exercise, big meals (3-4 course), alcohol and sex, 4-6 hours after acupuncture sessions, since any of these activities may change the energetic pattern resulting from the treatment.

5. Mitchell, E. Plain Talk about Acupuncture - Wholehall Inc. New York, NY 1987

6. Temple, R. The Genius of China - 3,000 Years of Science, Discovery & Invention - Simon & Schuster, N.Y., 1986

7. Aria, B., Eng Gong, R. & Ehlers, L. The Nature of The Chinese Character - Simon & Schuster, New York, N.Y., 1991

8. Stux, G. & Pomeranz, B. Basics of Acupuncture - Springer - Verlag, New York, N.Y., 1995

9. Unschuld, P. U. Medicine in China, A History of Ideas - Univ. of CA Press, Berkeley, CA, 1985

Patients are expected to pay at the time services are rendered and they are given all the necessary information to file the claims with their insurance company. Because of the frequency of treatments required and the high percentage of health professionals who are patients at our practice, we cannot extend professional courtesy under any circumstances.

No refunds will be granted for either services or medications dispensed. Health Department regulations will not allow us to accept any returned bottles once they leave our premises, regardless of their condition.

If you must cancel your appointment, please notify us 24 hours in advance so that we may accommodate other patients who are waiting to be seen. Failure to cancel in advance or missing an appointment will result in a charge. This policy has become necessary because a growing number of patients would either not show for their appointments or cancel without notice, making it increasingly difficult to accommodate other patients in need of care.

When another doctor requests a copy of medical records, they will be mailed to the doctor (with written patient authorization) at no charge. There is a charge for copies of medical records in all other situations (law firms, insurance companies, etc.). There is also a charge for letters, narratives and special forms to be filled out.

The office team strives to provide an atmosphere of professionalism, respect, compassion and caring, and the maintenance of a high quality doctor-patient-staff relationship. Any problems experienced by a patient in this area should be brought up to the doctor or the administrator for proper handling, since it may otherwise compromise the doctor-patient-staff relationship and the environment for healing.