Depending on how long you have been dealing with a certain condition, treatment results vary. For recent, acute conditions, one or two treatments may make a big difference in how you feel. For longer term illnesses, you may require several treatments before you notice much change in the way you feel. Usually people feel pretty relaxed after a treatment and have a good nights' sleep.

I have a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree (MTCM). That is a four year degree that combines herbal and acupuncture training to treat people from the inside-out and the outside-in. I feel this is a great way to learn Chinese medicine. Other acupuncturists may have a Masters of Acupuncture degree (M.Ac.). This is a three year program that focuses on using acupuncture to treat patients. Some M.Ac. students will go back to school to get some herbal training and have a designation of Certified Herbalist (CH) attached behind their name. Acupuncturists (MTCM or M.Ac.) have to pass a national board examination from the NCCAOM to receive a diplomate in acupuncture. Choosing a practitioner with a diplomate gives you peace of mind that you have a qualified practitioner. In some areas, other health care providers can also practice acupuncture. For example, in Washington, MD's can practice acupuncture without any training in Chinese medicine and without a diplomate of acupuncture from the NCCAOM.

I recommend you have a little something to eat a couple of hours before your visit so you have enough energy for the treatment.  It also helps if you are well rested.  Acupuncture points are located all over the body.  Many common points are located from the knees and elbows to the ends of the hands and toes.  It will be more comfortable if you wear clothing that will easily roll up to your knees or elbows.  The needles in modern practice are new, hair-thin, sterile surgical stainless steel and are disposed of after the treatment.

Few plans in Missouri cover acupuncture service.  There are acupuncture benefits available with some secondary Medicare policies and federal employee insurance plans.

It will be helpful if you fill out my intake form before your appointment (requires Adobe Acrobat, available here). That will give you time to answer the questions well and will allow us to take full advantage of your time here.

Your personal information is protected according to HIPAA and state law and this protection is described in the Notice of Privacy Practices (requires Adobe Acrobat, available here). Please ask if you have any concerns.

Have questions you would rather ask in person? To schedule a complimentary 15 minute consultation, call or send me an