New Patient FAQ

If you are new to acupuncture, new to my clinic, or it’s just been awhile, this page is dedicated to you. If there are questions you have that I have not answered please feel free to call me at 509.670.3256 or email info@wujiacupuncture.com and I will respond to you as soon as I am available.
Please note that currently my email is not HIPPA secured. In other words, please do not give out personal health information over email.

To learn more about Chinese Medicine, please visit our Resource section. To learn more the services I offer, visit our Services page.

First of all, what in the heck is an AP, Dilp.OM and what does that stand for?
AP, Dilp.O.M means Acupuncture Physician, Diplomat of Oriental Medicine. In the state of Florida an acupuncturist is a physician and has completed a medical Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. A Diplomat of Oriental Medicine is a physician who has satisfied state and national exams to be licensed as a master herbalist. Florida State also requires that in order to hold an AP license, the practitioner must also be nationally certified by the NCCAOM, National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Just know that in order for your EAMP to poke with needles, he or she had to go through rigorous schooling, training, and national boards. You are in good hands.

Are Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine the same thing?
Yes, acupuncture falls under the scope of Oriental Medicine and is the most commonly recognized modality in Oriental Medicine. Oriental Medicine has a wide scope of practice. For greater detail, visit the patient Q&A and/or Services for more details. Oriental Medicine and Chinese Medicine are also interchangeable terms.

How do I know if Oriental Medicine can even help me?
I offer free 20 minute consults and you may schedule this as phone call or you may come in. This allows you to ask questions, talk about what you would like to be treated for, and I will assess if Oriental Medicine is a good fit for you. Depending on your condition, I may refer you to another health care professional.

What should I expect the first appointment? 
The first appointment is one hour minutes. During this time, I complete a health intake with you so can get a complete picture of you and your health. This is one of many places where Chinese Medicine really excels. We want to actually sit listen to what you have to say. You will fill out a new patient form and either submit it to me or you may fill one out in the office. I ask a lot of questions and will elaborate further during your first appointment. Burping a lot means something in Chinese Medicine, who would have known! Please note that your first acupuncture treatment will be shorter because we spend more time focusing on your intake and I like to see how you react to your treatment.

Do I need to bring any medical paperwork with me?
You may bring any paper work you feel like I should see. I will scan it into your personal file. You can fill out a patient record release form that gives your health care provider permission to release your medical records to me. This also allows me and your other healthcare providers to communicate and work together to best serve you and your health.

Does acupuncture hurt?
This is my favorite question that does not have a straight answer. We are all unique individuals that process pain and the perception of pain differently. Acupuncture can be painless. The needles are hair thin filliform needles, not a hollow point like a doctor would use. We are not giving shots! Sometimes the insertion can feel a little pokey, but I do best to make sure your acupuncture treatment is painless. I have observed when treating patients that if an individual is in acute pain physically or emotionally, he or she can be more needle sensitive.

I hate needles! Do I have to get acupuncture in order to see you?
No, I have needless treatments for the needle phobic. We can also work slowly towards using needles if you would like to eventually try. You can also come in for an herbal consult. Herbs are an excellent way to treat many disorders and can be even more effective that acupuncture alone.

What do I wear to my appointment?
Acupuncture treatments do not require you to wear anything specific. You can wear your works clothes, your pajamas or your best Sunday suit. Clothing that can be moved around is optimal. We like to needle around knees and elbows. If you are receiving a treatment on your shoulders, tank tops help make that area available without having to remove your shirt. I also have gowns available.