Welcome! I'm so glad you're here.
If you have already scheduled your first appointment, awesome. You will soon receive a welcome email from me with additional info along with your New Client paperwork which you'll fill out online.
If you have yet to schedule, please click here or email me
at acupuncturewithrachel@gmail.com
What should I know before my first treatment?
I strive to be available to clients and to provide meaningful care. In respect for this intention and in consideration of others who also need appointments, the following cancellation policy has been put in place: Cancellation Policy. Please familiarize yourself with this policy before your first visit.
For your first treatment, be sure you filled out your New Client paperwork, wear loose, comfortable clothing and eat something at least one hour before. All treatments are 60 min, including your first one and virtual.
We will start with a chat about what brought you in. We will then come up with a plan and decide what therapies will benefit you for that day (acupuncture therapy if you're in-person, Chinese medicine, somatic/embodiment practices, breathwork, ancestral connection, etc).
You will either be lying on a comfy massage table or sitting on a chair (if you choose virtual you can decide what this looks like) with relaxing nature sounds (or in silence-you choose), and dim or no lighting.
We will end the session discussing next steps for you and the healing journey you are on. I often offer tools to assist your journey (books, videos, journaling, etc).
Please reach out with any additional questions. I look forward to seeing you!
-Rachel
Cupping
FAQ's
What should I know before my first treatment?
Do you take insurance?
I believe in affordable care for all and in an equitable exchange of energy.
This is why I am a cash-based practice and do not take insurance.
Here's how I operate:
- If you can pay my full price, please do! I appreciate you
- I provide a sliding scale for those who are unable to pay my full price
- I offer scholarships to those who qualify
- I take HSA/FSA accounts
- I offer packages at a reduced price
"Why don't you take insurance?" is a common question. A quick google search of "why don't you take insurance?" will pull up plenty helpful articles you can look through that will give you an idea of where I'm coming from (most regarding talk therapy-however still relevant to my practice)
In a nutshell, here's why:
First and foremost, when you successfully operate with sliding fees, there tends to be no need. When each client pays the highest possible amount they are able, everyone wins. Folks who can pay my full rate do so and therefor supplement for those who can't. BOOM. It's also part of healing when we all do what we can, as a community.
Energy exchange:
We are a culture that has become used to paying as little for something as possible (even when we can give more); always looking for deals; always trying to pay the least for something.; not understanding energy exchange.
I love bargain hunting and a good deal. I also love paying my people what they are worth. Here's what I've come to realize over he years: My treatments from my own practitioners mean more to me, and I am more invested, when I pay the highest rate I can. Also, I love my practitioners and I know they work hard. I want to give back to them for their hard work and I want them to continue helping me and our community.
I believe in affordable and fair health care for all:
The only model I've found that facilitates and nurtures this, so far, is sliding scale and some types of community funds. I'm not against insurance-I use it when sliding scale isn't an option like most western medical situations (MD, hospital, prescriptions, etc). However I do believe the system is due for a review and overhaul.
I enjoy treating the way I want to treat:
Insurance companies process claims and have the ability to deny your claim, based on their understanding of acupuncture. I'm not a fan of altering my treatments based off someone else's model of care.
Money:
Often times, the amount I am reimbursed doesn't provide a fair wage. For example: If I submit 1 hour of acupuncture which, as I write this, is $115, its common for me to receive a check form the insurance company for $20-$30. To me, this is not an equitable energy exchange Many practitioners who do take insurance often work extremely hard to fill their schedule to offset the low reimbursement rates and are left burnt out.
Time and energy:
I am a one-person practice and the time and energy it takes to submit to insurance is a lot. A 1 hour session can equate to 1+ hours of paperwork/phone calls/emails/waiting on the phone.
Chances are, they won't cover it:
Most of my services aren't covered by insurance (breathwork, for example). Currently, out of all the therapies I offer, insurance companies only cover acupuncture therapy, and only for the treatment of pain and a few other symptoms (nausea during pregnancy, for example).
Questions about pricing? Email me at acupuncturewithrachel@gmail.com
What is Breathwork?
The breathwork I practice is an active, 3-part breath, in and out through the mouth (i's the opposite of a meditative breath done in yoga). This 3-part breath is meant to get your energy flowing and get you feeling so you can (afterwards) relax, be at peace and have more clarity. I describe it as cardio for your soul.
When doing breathwork, the stuck energy in your body starts to move. It's common to feel resistance, tingling in your hands, become lightheaded, cry, etc. It's helpful to remember you are always in control. You can chose to intensify or lessen any sensation that comes up. For me, it often becomes a lesson in titration (choosing to dig deep and feel, then resting, then dig again, then rest).
What is acupuncture & how does it work?
Acupuncture therapy is a system of complementary medicine that involves inserting fine needles in the body, used to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Originating in ancient China, acupuncture is now widely practiced in the West.
The needles stimulate nerves in the body to turn on it's own healing system. The body is gently guided towards balance and homeostasis which can result in alleviation of stressors commonly found in our bodies.
Does it hurt?
You may have some subtle sensations during your treatment (heavy, floating, buzzing, mosquito-bite feeling) but pain isn't typically one of them. The needles are about twice the thickness of a human hair and are solid.
What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese Medicine is a thousands of years old medicine based out of China. It's rooted deeply in qi/energy of the body and uses certain tools to help balance that qi. Common tools I use in clinic include:
-Needles (acupuncture therapy)
-Cupping
-Food therapy
What does acupuncture & Chinese medicine treat?
Chinese medicine treats lots of things! My niche is the emotional and spiritual world, although I do take on other clients on a case by case basis. Here is a list of common reasons people seek out my care, related to chinese medicine:
- Alleviates pain /alternative to pain medication
- Stress reduction and prevention
- Relief of anxiety, depression, PTSD
- Trauma
- Balance emotions and energy
- More restful sleep
- Deeper connection to their body
What is somatic/embodiment therapy?
Somatic means "relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind". Embodiment means being fully present in your lived experience. These therapies are used to help your body safely identify and release trauma, old patterns and stagnation. They assist the person in remembering how to be and stay grounded in an efforts to continue to live from that place. There are several types of therapies. Of them all, I tend to use body scans, guided meditation, ancestral healing, spirit guides, the chakra system and reiki. Sessions are generally spent on the table, eyes closed or taking a soft gaze, as you are guided through visualizations and tuning into subtle sensations in your energy field and physical body.
What is reiki?
Reiki is a hands-on energy therapy used to tap into qi or universal energy. To perform reiki in a clinical setting, you receive training from a reiki master and are initiated into the medicine. It has a long history dating back to biblical times and is used for any imbalance in the body (physical, emotional, spiritual). If you are curious, it's probably for you! Sessions are spent on the table, eyes closed or taking a soft gaze, as I lay my hands on your body at different chakras (head, throat, abdomen, hips). It can be done in conversation or complete silence.