How should I prepare for my first visit?
In addition to bringing copies of any previous medical records and medications or supplements you are currently taking, we generally recommend that new patients wear loose fitting clothing and have something to eat approximately one hour before your appointment.

What happens when I first go for treatment?
During your first consultation we will discuss your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. We will examine your pulse and tongue. All this information helps us make a diagnosis. This diagnosis determines which herbal formulas are used, and it suggests possible causes for your ill health. The diagnostic process takes into account everything about you in order to identify the patterns of disharmony which are obstructing your potential for full health and vitality, and its subtlety even allows us to detect imbalances before they have produced symptoms.We will tell you how long the treatment will take to be effective. If we think Chinese Herbal Medicine is not appropriate, we will tell you.

What should I expect during my first visit?
All new patients in Ren Yi Tang clinic are asked to complete a patient information form and health history. This questionnaire will include questions about your medical history, your family’s medical history, and your lifestyle. It is a good idea to bring with you any copies of previous tests, lab results and any medications or supplements you are currently taking. The physical exam can include taking vital signs as well as detailed examination of the pulse and tongue, abdominal palpation and facial diagnosis. When your practitioner arrives at a working diagnosis, they will place you in a comfortable position to insert the needles. After the needles are inserted, you will relax in the treatment room for 10 to 30 minutes. Your practitioner will then return and take out the needles. After the treatment is over, they may prescribe Chinese herbal medicines if they would be helpful to you.

How long will it take to get better?
Most health problems take more than one treatment to resolve. Expect to have four treatments before reassessment. Many problems may require ten or more treatments before significant benefits accrue. Along the way, though, you should see an overall improvement in your health as your main complaint improves as well.

How often do I return to the clinic?
There are regular consultations with the herbalist throughout treatment to modify the formula as changes occur in your condition. Consultations are generally once every two to four weeks

Can Chinese Herbal Medicine help me?
Herbal medicines can be used to dramatic effect in acute illnesses, but even more valuable are the wide range of herbal tonics which can gradually build up your health and vitality. Many conditions can be helped and there does not have to be a clear diagnosis from an orthodox medical perspective. Chinese Herbal Medicine can also be very effective as a preventive treatment.

How do I take the herbs?
The herbal formulas can be taken either as dried herbs, which are prescribed to be boiled up at home, or as concentrated powders, which are taken stirred into hot water.

For how long do I take the herbs?
A typical course of treatment would involve taking a herbal formula daily for several months but each situation is unique.

Is Chinese medicine safe?
When practiced by a trained professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. Because the treatment does not involve the use of drugs, patients do not have to worry about adverse side effects. However, there are certain conditions you should notify your practitioner about before undergoing treatment, such as hemophilia or if you have a pacemaker. A thorough patient intake is performed during the first visit in order to determine any concerns.

Do the herbs have side effects?
Very rarely adverse reactions can occur. By carefully monitoring your response to treatment, and by keeping you informed about what reactions to look out for, we are able to detect any adverse reaction and change or halt the treatment. We also have available modern blood-testing equipment which can be used to monitor your response.

What is acupuncture? Does it hurt?
Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion and stimulation of thin, disposable sterile needles at strategic points near the surface of the body. While many acupuncture patients are initially wary of the claim that acupuncture doesn’t hurt, they soon discover that the experience is quite pleasurable.Patients find that the treatments are relaxing and usually involve little or no discomfort. Occasionally one may feel a slight pinch that quickly diminishes.

How many needles are inserted?
Ten to twenty needles may be inserted, although more or less is not uncommon.

How long are the appointments?
While this can sometimes vary, generally a new patient’s first visit will last between 60-90 minutes. We ask that all new patients arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork. Subsequent appointments generally last between 45-60 minutes.

ARE THE NEEDLES CLEAN?
Yes. This clinic only uses presterilized, individually packaged, single-use, disposable needles, thus assuring that there is no transmission of communicable disease from patient to patient.