I understand that I am the decision maker for my health care. Part of this office's role is to provide me with information to assist me in making informed choices. Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and functional medicine are not intended to substitute for diagnosis or treatment by medical doctors or to be used as an alternative to necessary medical care. It is expected that you are under the care of a primary care physician or medical specialist, that pregnant patients are being managed by an appropriate healthcare professional, and that patients seeking adjunctive cancer support are under the care of an oncologist.
I hereby request and consent to the performance of acupuncture treatments and other procedures within the scope of the practice of acupuncturists and functional medicine practitioners on me (or on the patient named below, for whom I am legally responsible) by practitioners employed at Healing InSight LLC.
Treatments types. I understand that methods of treatment may include, but are not limited to, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, electrical stimulation, tui-na (Chinese massage), Chinese herbal medicine, functional medicine, lab testing, lifestyle counseling, and nutritional counseling.
Acupuncture. I have been informed that acupuncture is a generally safe method of treatment, but, as with all types if healthcare interventions, there are some risks to care, including, but not limited to: bruising, bleeding, puffiness, itching, warmth pain; numbness or tingling near the needling sites that may last a few days; and dizziness or fainting. Burns, blistering and/or scarring are a potential risk of moxibustion and cupping, or when treatment involves the use of heat lamps. Bruising is a common side effect of cupping. Unusual risks of acupuncture include nerve damage, damage to deeper structures and organ puncture, including lung puncture (pneumothorax Infection is another possible risk, although the clinic uses sterile disposable needles and maintains a clean and safe environment.
Facial acupuncture. Facial acupuncture addresses the entire body constitutionally and is not merely "cosmetic". It involves the whole patient and is an organic, gradual process that is customized for each individual. It is not a substitute for a surgical facelift. An acupuncture facial does not arrest the aging process or produce permanent tightening of the face and neck. Future acupuncture maintenance treatments, or other treatments, may be necessary to maintain the results of an acupuncture facial. Risks are similar to those listed above and can include unsatisfactory results or in rare cases, asymmetry.
Herbs and supplements. The herbs, topicals and nutritional supplements (which are from plant, animal, chemical and mineral sources) that may be recommended are traditionally considered safe in the practice of Chinese Medicine and functional medicine, although some may be toxic in large doses. Some possible side effects of herbs, supplements or topicals are: nausea; gas; stomachache; vomiting; liver or kidney damage; headache; diarrhea; rashes; hives; tingling of the tongue and allergic reactions. I will immediately notify my practitioner of any unpleasant effects associated with the use of herbs, supplements or topicals.
I understand I am under no obligation purchase herbs and supplements at this office. The chief reason we make these products available is to ensure quality. The same level of quality is not guaranteed when purchasing supplements from the general marketplace due to the lack of federal testing requirements for dietary supplements. The manufacturers we use have gained our confidence through considerable research and clinical experience.
Lab testing. The purpose of functional medicine laboratory testing is to evaluate nutritional, biochemical, or physiological imbalance to assist in finding the underlying causes of your condition; and to determine any need for medical referral. These lab tests are not intended to diagnose disease. This office utilizes conventional lab tests as well as functional medicine assessment. Healing InSight practitioners are not medical doctors and cannot act asa Primary Care Physician (PCP), SO I will continue my regular medical care and check-ups with my PCP and I will share the results of all lab tests with my primary care physician. Your PCP may or may not agree with the necessity for-or our interpretation of-these tests. If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with your practitioner at Healing InSight.