Dr. Anita Chen Marshall, DAOM, Pharm D, PhD, L.Ac. Traditional Chinese Medicine for Acupuncture and  Herbs. Alameda, CA.  510-523-1072

New Patients

What to expect during a treatment

Sequoia Healing Center is located in a beautiful quiet neighborhood by downtown Kailua with a comfortable private treatment room. You will be greeted by Dr. Anita Chen Marshall and TCM tongue and pulse diagnosis will be performed to determine the treatment plans. If acupuncture treatments are indicated, the patient will either lie on the treatment table or sit on the chair while acupuncture treatments are performed. Patients can usually choose from a variety of soothing music to be played softly in the background to promote relaxation. Far Infrared heat lamps are also used to promote Qi and Blood circulation to enhance healing process.

The acupuncture needles are very fine hair like sterile needles, much smaller than the needles used for injections of drugs or to draw blood. When the acupuncture needles are being inserted, you may or may not feel a very quick, tiny needle prick sensation. Once the needles have been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache. Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needles. This is called the “Qi sensation.” All these reactions are a good sign that the treatment is working. The needles are usually retained for 30 minutes, although some patients many request a shorter or longer treatment time. Patients usually feel very relaxed after the needles are inserted; some even fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. One patient coined it a “power nap”.

After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. Please refrain from overexertion, heavy workout, drugs or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit. It’s best to avoid stressful situations, make time to relax, and get plenty of rest; as it takes a lot of energy to move the stagnant and/or blocked Qi. Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency, duration and intensity of the problem being treated.