A warm room, heat lamp on your back or feet and music playing facilitate a deep state of relaxation during your treatment at Lokahi Acupuncture. We want our patients to feel the maximum benefit of the treatment when they are in our care, and one way to do that is ensure a safe, inviting and warm environment.

The Treatment

• Treatments typically last 60 minutes (subsequent visits usually last 45 – 60 mins). It is best if you do not come to your appointment on a full or empty stomach.
• In the first 15 minutes or so, your acupuncturist will follow up on the information on your health history questionnaire and ask questions about your health and the problems you are having. These questions, and your answers, allow us to arrive at a Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis upon which your treatment will be based.
• The diagnosis will include looking at your tongue and checking your pulses on both wrists.
• Although acupuncture and herbs may be used with other forms of treatment, you should let your acupuncturist know if you are taking any medications.
• After the initial interview, you will be asked to lie down. Approximately 4 to 12 acupuncture points will be wiped with alcohol and your acupuncturist will insert hair thin, sterile, disposable needles. Usually the patient feels little or no discomfort. For patients who tend to get cold lying still, we turn on a heat lamp to keep them warm.
• The needles will be left in for 20—35 minutes. During this time, your acupuncturist will check on your once or twice. Most people find the treatment very relaxing and many meditate or fall asleep. Should you feel any discomfort, be sure to tell your acupuncturist immediately so that she can make an adjustment.
• In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs are an essential part of the treatment. Your acupuncturist will discuss with you the herbal options available to you.

1. Plan to take it easy after your treatment.
2. Sometimes after receiving an acupuncture treatment you may feel slightly lightheaded. If that is the case, please sit until you feel better. In a few minutes you will feel relaxed and clear-headed.
3. Herbal prescriptions are intended for the person for whom they are prescribed. Do not give herbal formulas to anyone else.

Very rarely, symptoms may become worse for a while following an acupuncture treatment. This is often a sign that previously dormant conditions are being awakened so that healing may occur. This should pass quickly. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please contact us at (408) 887-6000.

Payment is requested at time of treatment by cash, check, or credit card. Cancellations require 48 hours notice and reschedules require 24 hours notice or payment will be requested.