Patient Information
Directions
Our office is in the Hollister Professional Park (HPP) near the corner of Hollister and Patterson. From the 101 North or South, take the Patterson exit and turn toward the ocean. At the Hollister stoplight, take a left onto Hollister. Get into the left turn lane at the Nueva Vida Church and take a left into the HPP complex (designated by a large beige sign). Drive straight through the first parking lot and Building B will be ahead on the right. Suite 214 is on the 1st floor and you will be facing it when you enter the courtyard. When traveling north on Hollister, such as from Turnpike, you can also access parking and the building by making a right before you get to Patterson.
Nearby bus service is available.
Please note: We are not part of Goleta Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic which is in the same building.
First visit
Please print and complete paperwork at bottom of page. If you do not have a printer, let me know so can make other arrangements.
If available, please bring recent lab work and if applicable, basal body charts.
During Covid-19, we are limiting face to face time during your appointment by completing intakes by phone before your acupuncture session.
For new clients, we will need up to up to 30-45 minutes for an initial intake. Acupuncture appointments will last about 40 minutes.
What to expect/how to prepare for treatment
Please refrain from heavy exercise or eating a large meal right before or after treatment.
It is also important to not be ravenous at your visit as it can be hard to relax with a grumbling stomach.
In Chinese Medicine, part of assessing one’s health is to look at the tongue and to do a thorough pulse taking. There are three pulse positions on each side that correspond to different organ systems. I’m not just taking a rate, but feeling for specific qualities.
During Covid-19 since you'll be wearing a mask throughout your appointment, I won't be able to look at your tongue. For now, I am asking clients to take a picture of their tongue the day of their appointment to show me from their phone.
Acupuncturists also ask a series of questions to all patients which helps give an overall sense of the patient’s health. During our initial intake and with subsequent check-ins, I will be inquiring about your digestion, elimination, sleep, emotional well-being, etc.
Most patients remain clothed and just need to remove their shoes and socks for treatment. You'll be asked to remove your shoes, possibly socks, right when you arrive. We have paper booties for you to wear while you're walking through the office.
It is helpful for you to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Many points that are used are from the knees and elbows down so please try to wear clothing that can be easily shifted.
Treatments occur on a massage table that is draped with a clean sheet and clean pillow cases.
Needles are sterile and only used once. They are very fine, more like a filament or thick strand of hair than a needle. The experience is nothing like getting a shot.
Once all of the points are in, you will relax on the table for about 20 minutes. You can enjoy silence, soft music or a guided meditation – your choice! Patients often nap.
I may make dietary, lifestyle and/or herbal recommendations.
Between visits please take notes of any changes in your symptoms/pain.
For more information about what to expect, please see FAQ section.
Before your first appointment or before your first appointment back since we've reopened during Covid, please read and sign these Exposure Control Guidelines. If you have already done this through our online scheduling system, Full Slate, no need to do again. Thank you.
https://hipaa.jotform.com/202237505477051
In addition, you will be asked to complete a symptom questionnaire before each appointment. Please keep your eyes open for that in your appointment confirmation email. Thanks!
Rates and payment
There is a discount for those paying with cash, check or Zelle vs. a credit, debit or HSA (Health Savings account) card.
Initial visit
For acute conditions/musculo-skeletal issues, 60 minutes, $165 ($160)
For fertility/reproductive health/chronic/multiple issues, 90 minutes, $225 ($220)
Follow-up visits – $125 ($120)
Home visit – Not available during Covid-19.
Telehealth sessions via Doxy.me video call for current clients: 10-60 minutes, $20-125
Phone consult/research requests, 20-30 minutes, $65 ($63)
Less than 24 hours cancellation, $80. During Covid-19, no fee will be charged for health or exposure related cancellations.
You are also welcome to schedule with my amazing associate Monica Kaderali, L.Ac.
Her fees are as follows:
Initial 60 minute: $130 ($125)
Initial 90 minute: $160 ($155)
Follow-up visits: $98 ($95)
Payment is made at the end of the treatment session or shortly after you leave.
Those who want to bill their insurance company or who have a health savings account (HSA) or medical savings account (MSA) that requires documentation can receive a “superbill” receipt at the end of the month that they can submit for reimbursement.