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

Office Visit

What to expect during a treatment

Dr. Anita Chen Marshal's office  is located in a beautiful quiet neighborhood at Harbor Bay in Alameda, CA. with a comfortable private treatment room. You will be greeted by Dr. Anita Chen Marshall and TCM tongue and pulse diagnosis will be performed for differential diagnosis in order 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.

Dos and Don’ts for your Visit

• Before your first appointment, please familiarize yourself with the office policies and complete the appropriate intake form to bring to your visit. You may also bring or send any pertinent laboratory or imaging reports for your first appointment.

• Please plan 90 minutes for your initial appointment. At the initial visit I will take a complete and pertinent history, perform relevant physical exams, including tongue and Chines pulse diagnosis for differential diagnosis.

• Write down any questions you may have and bring them with you to your treatment. We're here to help you.

• Clearly state any medical problems you might have, as well as long-term health goals.

• Bring a list of medications and supplements you are taking.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.

• Have a moderate meal or snack before your treatment, as it is not advisable to have acupuncture treatments when your body is low in energy or hypoglycemic.

• Avoid ingesting caffeinated beverages before treatment, because caffeine tends to heighten the needle sensation during the inserting process.

• Do not schedule another appointment too closely immediately after your treatment so you will not be stressed to rush to your next appointment.

• Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or strong scented hair spray to the clinic, as many patients come for allergy treatments and will react to the strong scents that may linger in the waiting area and treatment rooms.

• Please refrain from using your cell phone at the office waiting room area and during the treatment. We suggest you turn your cell phone off during the treatment so you can relax and not be disturbed to maximize the treatment effect.