What should I expect on my first visit?
The initial visit takes about an hour and fifteen to allow time for a full intake, diagnosis, and treatment. You will share why you're seeking treatment and any relevant medical history. Nancy will listen to your pulse at the radial artery, check the tongue and hara (abdomen), palpate along the spine, and ask questions about your daily experience to come up with a clear picture of the root of imbalance. She will share the diagnosis and offer some practical daily self care advice.
Depending on what you need and are open to, treatment may include:
Acupuncture
The needles are hair thin but very powerful. They can loosen tight and painful muscles, boost organ function, remove blockages and stagnation, lift the spirit, improve circulation, digestion, absorption, hormone imbalances, neurological problems, and so much more. Acupuncture affects the nervous system and places it in a parasympathetic state where it can repair itself. See this study.
Nancy’s training has been a mix of Kiiko Matsumoto style Japanese Acupuncture, Classical Chinese Medicine, and APM style (trigger point muscle release). Treatment is tailored to whatever is most appropriate for the patient.
If patients are fearful or nervous about the needles, Nancy will always be glad to adjust and accommodate to ensure comfort.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a technique of burning mugwort (artemisia vulgaris) over acu points. This technique is not painful, and it is very effective with sprains and soft tissue damage as well as when patients are depleted and need an energy boost.
Tui Na
Tui Na is Chinese medical bodywork, which Nancy often mixes with deep tissue or shiatsu (pressing the acu-points).
Cupping
Applying “suction-like” cups to the skin to draw out toxins, move stagnant phlegm from the lung, or loosen tight muscles, like a myo-fascial release.
Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Please make sure you are fed and hydrated the day of your treatment.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows access to your knees, arms and abdomen.
Does it hurt?
Nancy will accommodate your sensitivity level and will check in with you often. However, people often remark, "I didn't expect needles to be so relaxing."
Do you take insurance?
Yes. Nancy is an in-network provider for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, but will accept any out of network plans that cover acupuncture.
To verify your benefits, you may email hello@nancyallenacupuncture.com and provide a pic of your card and your date of birth. If you are not the plan holder, then you may provide plan holder's first and last name and date of birth.