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Your First Visit
Our Bergen County acupuncture and Chinese Medicine office serves areas including Ridgewood, Fairlawn, Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Ramsey, Waldwick, Washington Township Wyckoff, Paramus, NJ, and greater Bergen County.
1 to 1.5 hours
Typical length of a first visit
Arrive 5 minutes early
So we can see you at your appointed time
Wear loose clothing
So your arms, legs, and back are easy to reach
Be Our Guest
When we have a visit, it is focused on you. I leave ample time so you can tell me about your condition, the trials and tribulations you have, your frustrations with and the functional goals you are trying to get out of care. We are here to deliver you the results you want. Whether you are dealing with insurmountable pain, a health condition that is affecting you drastically, or you simply want to feel more energy and reduce stress, we take your condition seriously. What you want is important for us so we can design a plan of treatment and deliver the care you are expecting. You may not have such a dramatic story. You may just want to feel more relaxed, have more energy, or better sleep and lose some weight. We take your specific health conditions seriously.
Anything you can tell us to understand more about your health condition, will help us better tailor the treatments to your condition. If we feel we cannot help you we will be honest and tell you.
We realize that if you’ve never had acupuncture before, the whole process can feel a bit intimidating or “weird”. No one is used to being given more than a perfunctory physical and then shuttled out of the room in 8 minutes. We spend the time we need to understand the bigger picture so we can get the best results for you. It is a different kind of healthcare experience.
Integrative Acupuncture has helped many people just like you. I understand that health is so much more than the absence of disease. Your health is the most precious asset you have. There is nothing more important than getting proactive about your health, investing in your well-being, and choosing a lifestyle that fosters longevity and vitality. My mission at Integrative Acupuncture Center is to support you in this process.
Your First Visit
Appointment length
Please consider that new patients will be given 30-minutes to an hour. Please schedule only if you are really intending to keep the treatment.
Cancellations
If you are unable to make a call, the courtesy of 24-hour cancellation is required. If you find out in less than 24 hours, then please call us.
No-shows
A no-show for a visit will incur a $60 late fee assessed to your account.
Running late
If you are running late (things happen), we ask that you call us. We will try to fit you in if the schedule is not packed.
In the office
When you come in, please keep your voice down, as there are other people being treated.
Insurance
If you are intending to use insurance, we request that you provide us with your information so we can “vet” your insurance and find out the benefits of your insurance on our end, so there are no surprises in the event of not covering your services.
Follow-up visits
If you are coming in for a follow-up treatment, we ask, if possible, to come in 5 minutes before to allow for any payment and scheduling before your visit. We attempt to minimize the wait time for you so you can spend more time getting treatment rather than waiting!
What to bring and how to prepare
What to bring
- Your insurance card and a photo ID, if you plan to use insurance
- A list of the medications and supplements you take
In the office
- Plan to arrive about 5 minutes early
- If you are running late, please call the office
- Please keep your voice down, since other patients are being treated
Getting here
The office at 69 West Ridgewood Ave is a 3-minute walk from the Ridgewood train station, with metered and non-metered parking nearby. A handicapped spot is available on request. There are two small staircases from that spot, and the office is not wheelchair accessible.
Questions you may have:
First visit FAQ
Do acupuncture needles hurt?
No. Most people barely feel a thing when needles are inserted. Some people feel a slight pinch, and others ask “Is it in yet?” The reason acupuncture needles don’t give the painful sensation you might expect is because they’re very, very thin in comparison to the hypodermic needles used to give injections. Hypodermic needles are hollow so that the shot can be injected. They also have a very blunt point (actually a wedge shape) in comparison to an acupuncture needle. Forty acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of one standard 18 gauge hypodermic needle.
There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture, which are known as de qi (pronounced “da-chee”). These may include slight cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation traveling along a meridian. If any discomfort is experienced, it is very mild.
What should I expect on my first visit?
During your first office visit, we spend a lot of time getting a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. We examine your body for musculo-skeletal testing to find out where the cause of your pain is coming from, similar to a neurologist or physical therapist. If Chinese medicine evaluation may be used if I need more information for other complaints. We use it by conditions of your tongue (is it cracked, coated, excessively pink? etc.), and check your pulse on both wrists (the quality of your pulse gives information about possible imbalances). We’ll also ask questions about your emotional state and specific symptoms you may have.
This is done because unlike Western medicine, we treat the whole person instead of focusing on the symptoms of your condition. The first visit can last from an hour to an hour and a half, and end with an acupuncture treatment lasting another 30-60 minutes.
Your subsequent visits will be much faster – usually an hour long. We’ll check in to make a short review of your progress, followed by an acupuncture treatment.
How often would I need to come in for treatment?
If the condition is acute and painful, treatments may be given 2-3 times per week until the condition starts to come under control. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition, your basic level of health, and how well you respond to acupuncture.
He makes you feel comfortable with the process as he always explains and educates you about what he is doing to help your problems. I have experienced amazing relief with my back and neck problems and have gained back so much more life as I am not in pain anymore! I highly recommend Joshua and his practice to anyone!
David
Joshua is a true healer. He helps me with my swollen joints and pain due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. He helps to lessen my perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, tiredness, sleep issues as well as digestive issues. He is a very good listener, gentle, and kind. He genuinely wants his patients to feel better, and he will do everything in his power to get you feeling better. Thank you, Joshua!
Kim
Going back about one year ago, I was suffering from chronic lower back pain; Joshua did a comprehensive examination and relieved my pain. It was amazing; I walked in stiff and uncomfortable and left feeling fantastic. He is thorough and personable, answering all my questions and concerns. Recently I began suffering from neck pain, and after a few visits, I have regained mobility and significantly less discomfort. Joshua is a truly gifted practitioner.
Paul
Where to next? Learn about the services we offer and we’ll tailor a plan to fit you best.
Our ServicesLet’s Get You Back to Doing What You Love
Whether it's gardening, playing with your kids, sleeping through the night, jogging on the beach, or simply getting through the day without pain, our personalized acupuncture treatments are designed to help you move, heal, and feel better naturally.