Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long linage of clinicians, doctors and herbalists over thousands of years passing down their observations and finding by helping countless patients. Its rooted in patient first care. Focusing on the foundation of Observation, Palpation, Inquiry and using Listening and Smelling to notice imbalances or as I like to call it, which organs are talking to me. This is called the four Pillars.

Five Elements is another school of thought within Chinese Medicine which focuses on how the external world impacts our internal world. The Five Elements or Phases are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. (No Air?) No its not like the Avatar or Tarot but similar in that the Ancients were looking to the elements for signs and correlations to make sense of the world. This style heavily relies on the senses and the interview to see which elements are out of balance and need attention.

Both Schools of thought are amazing and are useful for different reasons. I often find myself combining the two approaches in treatment to tailor the treatments to my patients needs.

At Black Lotus Acupuncture I use both 5 Elements and TCM depending on how you answer my questions and I’ll decide which approach is better for you.

Acupuncture is a tool used in TCM and Asian medicine in general to target specific points that will benefit the body. The action of penetration engages the parasympathetic nervous system and puts us in a state of rest. It can also be used mechanically to release tight muscle fibers and move energy from one area of the body to another to promote internal harmony and homeostasis. This is the goal of every acupuncturist.

Before you come in it is best to have a small meal, something light right before or you ate a few hours prior and are hydrated. Please bring loose fit clothing that can easily be adjusted to above the elbows or knees such a short sleeved or sleeveless tops, tanks, and sports bras, and shorts. A covering blanket will be provided for you each treatment if needed.

Acupuncture uses needles, so there is a chance that it can feel like a prick sensation. Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but generally it feels like a small pinch and then goes away. If it is sustained for more than 30 seconds let me know and I can adjust it for you. I will also say this in the treatment room. The best way to find out how you react to acupuncture is trying it for yourself

Our entrance can be confusing the first time you come. When you arrive look for a sign that says Office West on the building. You might see Office Easy first. Walk a little further down the block and there is an elevated staircase for the residential part of the building. Right next to this is the staircase going down stairs to our office. Ring Bell number 5 and I’ll let you in

I’ll bring you water or tea before we begin and afterwards you might feel a bit tired or a euphoric. This is generally pleasant and has been described to me as feeling like they are floating.

This is a common misconception. Acupuncture isn’t just for patients who have an ailment or condition but often people come to use as a last resort, when everything else didn’t work. I am of course happy to help, but wish people found me and other practitioners sooner.

Acupuncture is great even when you don’t have anything going on on the surface. Often, we as practitioners can notice things that might be more subtle, or can give you a tune up, make you feel more relaxed, have a break in between your day. We fit in to your lives in more ways than you think. Come even if you think there isn’t anything going on. We give holistic care and this means dietary, movement advice, and other lifestyle tweaks that can make a big difference when implemented.

Generally we recommend 6-12 visits for new patients to see the benefits of acupuncture. It depends on what you are coming in for. If the target is acute 6-12 sessions is a good time to assess how you are feeling and then we can re-evaluate. If the target is more chronic it can take longer. I use the same time frame for evaluation of your symptoms over time and do regular check ins.

For patients trying to get pregnant or are pregnant I would advise 3-6 months of treatment. It takes a minimum of 3 months to get your eggs to a healthy state or ready for conception.

Unfortunately packages are not transferable

• Packages of 3 expire after 3 months

• Packages of 5 expire after 6 months

• Packages of 10 expire after 1 year.

We are not currently accepting insurance at this time but

Once your treatment is completed and paid for, we can provide Superbill’s for all other types of insurances if needed.

A Superbill is an itemized receipt that you can send to you insurance to potentially get reimbursed.

At Black Lotus Acupuncture, each appointment is thoughtfully reserved for you. We understand that life can be unpredictable; however, late cancellations and missed appointments affect our ability to serve all clients fully. We ask that you review and honor the following policy.

24-Hour Cancellation Notice Required

We require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for all appointment cancellations or reschedules. This allows us to offer your time slot to another client in need of care.

Late Cancellation & No-Show Fee

The following fee applies when less than 24 hours’ notice is provided, or when an appointment is missed without contact:

• Late Cancellation (under 24 hours): 50% of the scheduled visit cost

• No-Show (missed appointment, no contact): 50% of the scheduled visit cost

This fee will be charged to the card on file or invoiced prior to booking your next appointment.

How to Cancel or Reschedule

You may cancel or reschedule your appointment through any of the following:

• Online via the JaneApp booking portal (link in your confirmation email)

• By email or direct message through our contact page

• Cancellations must be received at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time

Exceptions

We understand that genuine emergencies happen. Fees may be waived at our discretion in the case of documented illness, medical emergency, or other extenuating circumstances. Please reach out as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

Thank you for respecting our time and the care we provide.

• Acupuncture can treat a wide array of conditions from Musculoskeletal, digestive, Autoimmune, Psycho-Emotional conditions to Gynecological and fertility as well as Andrology, and much more. We take an integrative approach to your health and are happy to share notes with your Primary Care doctor and other providers.

  Conditions I treat but are not limited to:

• Orthopedic pain conditions all over the body, Musculoskeletal pain, Joint pain, Digestive issues, Autoimmune Support Head Neck and Shoulders (Tinnitus, TMJ, Facial Paralysis, Cerebral Palsy)

• Women’s Health including Regulating menses, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Fertility Support (Natural, IVF and IUI) Hormone balancing support, and more, PMDD, PMOS(Previously knows as PCOS)

• Men’s health, Andrology, Male Fertility support

• Psycho-Emotional Support, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, ADD

• Autoimmune Support(Sickle Cell, Marfan Syndrome, Hashimoto’s Disease)

• Gastrointestinal Support (Bloating, Abdominal distention, Pain in the abdomen, IBS, Constipation, Diarrhea, Chron’s Disease, Celiac)

And much more