Acupuncture works by restoring balance & triggering the body’s natural response.
What does a home visit appointment look like?
- First, you will need to email or call us to set up an appointment. Due to the unpredictability of where appointments will be requested, the nature of this practice does not align with online scheduling platforms.
- When scheduling, you will need to provide: 1) Your name, 2) The number of people requesting treatment, 3) your location, 4) your phone number and/or email address, 5) if you have a couch, recliner chair or bed to be treated on, or if you prefer us to bring a table in.
- We will schedule your appointment and email you paperwork that will need to be filled out before the appointment. We can mail you this paperwork if you are not able to access it via email too.
- Treatments can be conducted at your home that is safe, and where you feel comfortable.
- Payment will be due at the end of your treatment.
- If herbs would be beneficial for you, you will be prescribed them through an online platform called Fullscript. You will receive a discount when you order from Fullscript, and they will deliver your oder to your door.
- Your practitioner will discuss with you the recommended frequency of treatments at this appointment based on your unique presentation.
What do I need to do to prepare for a home visit?
- Make sure you have a safe space for your treatment. This can look like a couch, recliner chair, bed, or a space large enough to accommodate a treatment table and space for your practitioner to move around it.
- Fill out your paperwork before your first appointment so that the treatment can run on time. Out of respect for your practitioner’s schedule, please either email this paperwork to katie@viviracupuncture.com before your appointment, or have it filled out to hand to your practitioner at your appointment. All forms must be completed and signed before we can move forward with your treatment.
- If you care for anyone, make arrangements prior to your appointment to ensure that they are cared for during your appointment time.
- If you have pets, please have them secured in a space where they will not interfere with the treatment.
What areas does Vivir offer home health services?
Vivir offers the luxury and convenience of bringing acupuncture and Chinese medicine to your home. Whether you are unable to leave your home, work remotely, or just don’t want to go anywhere, we’ve got you covered! We prioritize making your healthcare accessible, hassle-free, and as safe as possible. We are able to offer this (usually very expensive!) service at an affordable rate because we are 100% home-visit based and do not have the expense of paying for an office location. We offer treatments within a 1-hour radius from Aptos, CA. The general areas include: Santa Cruz area, Scotts Valley, Davenport, Moss Landing, Gilroy, Hollister, Monterey, and Carmel.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the use of tiny needles to stimulate points on the body to repair and re-establish health. The movement of energy throughout the body is brought back into balance because of the micro-stimulation that these needles create.
What are the benefits of acupuncture? What conditions can it treat?
Acupuncture has been used for over 2000 years to effectively treat ailments from acne to more severe conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Acupuncture treats most conditions and/or side effects of Western medicine. The benefits of acupuncture may include the following:
- Alleviation Of Pain
- An Overall Sense Of Improved Well-Being
- Better Sleep
- Increased Energy
- Improved Moods
- Emotional Balance
- Feelings Of Peace And Tranquility That Help Sharpen Awareness Throughout The Body
- The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) released a report in 2003 titled “Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials”. This report lists the conditions that have effectively been treated with acupuncture, which include but are not limited to:
- Acute And Chronic Gastritis
- Acute Bacillary Dysentery
- Acute Epigastralgia
- Adverse Reactions To Radiation Or Chemotherapy
- Allergic Rhinitis, Including Hay Fever
- Biliary Colic
- Correction Of Malposition Of Fetus (Breech Presentation)
- Dental Pain
- Depression (Including Depressive Neurosis And Depression Following Stroke)
- Essential Hypertension
- Facial Pain (Including Craniomandibular Disorders)
- Headache
- Induction Of Labor
- Knee Pain
- Leucopenia
- Low Back Pain
- Morning Sickness
- Nausea And Vomiting
- Neck Pain
- Peptic Ulcer
- Periarthritis Of The Shoulder
- Postoperative Pain
- Primary Dysmenorrhea
- Primary Hypotension
- Renal Colic
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Sprains
- Stroke
- Tempromandibular (TMJ) Dysfunction
- Tennis Elbow
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most find acupuncture very relaxing. Acupuncture needles are about the width of a human hair and insertion is usually painless. Occasionally, there may be some tingling, heaviness, or an electric sensation near the needle.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. All acupuncture needles are pre-packaged, sterile, and disposable. There is no risk of infection because used needles are safely disposed in a biohazard container.
Acupuncture is California State Board Certified.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in which a licensed practitioner gently inserts hair-thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture is a holistic approach that examines all aspects of the body: physical, mental and emotional and how they function together. Acupuncture helps facilitate the body into balance and aids in directing Qi (chi) or vital energy to the areas it is needed throughout the body.
Do you use herbs? Can I take them with other medications?
Absolutely! Herbal supplements and acupuncture are complementary modalities which work together to provide optimal health and well-being. We may recommend specific herbal supplements or powders that are conveniently available for purchase at our office.
If you are on medications, you will need to disclose which ones you are taking to your practitioner. There are some herbs that should be avoided with certain medications, so as long as your practitioner knows what medications you are on, they can prescribe a safe herbal formula for you!
What if I have to cancel my appointment?
- If you need to cancel, please call, email, or cancel online at least 24 hours in advance to avoid incurring charges.
What is your cancellation policy?
- We require 24 hours notice for all cancellations. Appointments not cancelled within 24 hours will incur a fee equal to half of the cost of the appointment.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance. Upon request, we can provide you with a superbill that contains procedure code(s) that correlate with your treatment. You can submit the superbill to your insurance company for reimbursement. Before you make an appointment, you may want to call your insurance provider to ask them if the condition you are going to be treated for is covered and if they cover “out-of-network” acupuncture services to assist your decision of making an appointment or how to budget.
Want to know more?