Appointments

At Shamrock Acupuncture, we are here to provide new hope for those seeking quality of life beyond medication or conventional treatments that haven’t fully worked. Our holistic approach is ideal if you’ve tried other methods without success, or if you’re looking for a sustainable way to address your health concerns and take charge of your well-being.

How to start…

1. Complete the New Patient Intake Forms (Click the link)
   • This helps us prepare for your visit and understand your medical history and concerns.
2. Undergo an Initial Examination
   • We identify the root cause of your issues through a thorough evaluation.
3. Receive a Tailored Treatment Plan
   • A personalized plan will be created to address your specific needs and health goals.
4. Collaborate on Your Journey
   • Together, we’ll take proactive steps to combat your condition and improve your quality of life.

What to Expect

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

1. Dress Loose-fitting Clothing
   • Wear or bring loose-fitting clothing. Pants should roll comfortably above the knee, and shirts should roll above the elbow.
2. Eat Lightly
   • Have a light meal or snack before your treatment. Avoid arriving with an empty or overly full stomach.
3. Bring Relevant Records
   • Bring any pertinent medical records, medication lists, lab results, or imaging studies related to your condition.

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DURING YOUR VISIT

First Visit (Initial Exam + Acupuncture Treatment, Approximately 90 Minutes)

• We will start with a detailed discussion about your health concerns and past medical history.
• A comprehensive evaluation, including tongue and pulse diagnosis, will be performed.
• Your treatment plan will be discussed, incorporating the most suitable Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modalities.

Follow-Up Visits (Re-exam + Acupuncture Treatment, Approximately 60 Minutes)

• Each session begins with an intake and physical exam to assess your condition and track progress.
• If acupuncture is performed, needles will remain in place for 20-35 minutes. Most patients feel little to no discomfort and find the experience deeply relaxing—many meditate or nap during this time.

Additional Therapies

• If herbs are recommended, we’ll discuss their benefits, and you can decide if you’d like to include them in your care.
• We may also incorporate gua sha/ scraping, cupping, or tuina based on your condition.

Plan & Recommendations

• At the end of the session, we’ll remove the needles, explain how to take any prescribed herbs, and provide dietary or lifestyle recommendations. A treatment plan will be proposed to guide your healing journey.

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AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

1. Post-Treatment Feelings
   • It’s common to feel relaxed, drowsy, or even euphoric after treatment due to the release of natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin.
   • If you’re treated for a musculoskeletal condition, mild soreness or a temporary flare-up of symptoms may occur but typically subsides within 24 hours, followed by relief.
   • It’s normal to experience emotional changes as your body adjusts. Take time to process and rest.
2. Recommendations
   • Use discretion when resuming activities, especially if you feel immediate relief, to avoid re-injury.
   • Allow your body to rest as much as possible. Avoid strenuous activities for the next 24hours.
   • Drink plenty of water to support the detoxification process. Herbal teas or warm water are especially beneficial.
   • Avoid alcohol and coffee, as alcohol can damage the liver and coffee may contain mycotoxins that interfere with your body’s natural healing processes.
   • Eat light, nutritious meals with easily digestible, wholesome foods and avoid overeating to support your body’s healing.
   • Bruising can sometimes occur at needle sites. This is a natural response and should fade within a few days. Applying a heat compress or arnica gel can help reduce the appearance.
3. Care Plan
   • We will review your care plan, which may include herbal prescriptions, dietary suggestions, exercises, or lifestyle adjustments to maximize progress.
   • Follow-up visits and the expected course of treatment will also be discussed.
4. Treatment Timeline
   • An average trial course of acupuncture typically consists of 3-8 visits, depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms and your response to treatment.

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Cancellation Policy

We understand that unexpected events can occasionally arise. To ensure fairness to all our patients and respect for the acupuncturist’s time, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If less than 24 hours’ notice is provided or you arrive more than 10 minutes late, a $20 cancellation fee will be charged to the card on file.

Privacy Practices

Our Privacy Practices are posted here. Please review them before your initial appointment.