The First Visit
We schedule the first visit for 60 minutes; for children under 5 years, we schedule 40 minutes. My practice combines traditional Chinese medicine, nutritional medicine, German electrodermal testing and Japanese style acupuncture. In the first visit, we begin by interviewing you about your main complaint and your history. If your problem involves an internal imbalance, or is chronic and long term, we will do Chinese pulse and tongue diagnosis and electrodermal testing for the remainder of the visit, without acupuncture. We may discuss the value or necessity of doing certain laboratory tests for gastrointestinal complaints, immune dysfunction, skin problems and allergies. Lab tests will cost between $150 and $400, and are not covered by insurance under my license.
Electrodermal testing uses the VEGATEST machine from Germany. It allows us to choose natural medicines based on electronic resonance with your energy field, as measured through your skin. The products having a better energetic resonance also have a better physiological response in your body. In my opinion, this allows a faster and more efficient healing response.
Based on VEGA electrodermal testing, a patient will be given four to six medicines meant to last three to four weeks. These medicines include Chinese herbs and nutritional medicines. Chinese herbs may be in product form (pill, tablet or tincture), or customized to your condition in powder or tincture form. I have found the combination of Chinese herbs and nutritional medicines to be effective clinically.
For certain conditions, such as chronic virus or vaccination stress, we may make a homeopathic auto-nosode. Also, I use German homeopathic remedies to aid in detoxification, and Bach Flower essences for emotional stress. Medicines following a VEGA electrodermal testing session typically cost $130 for a month's supply and are in addition to consultation fees. Many patients come in once monthly for this evaluation, without using acupuncture.
For serious or deep-seated problems, acupuncture allows recovery twice as fast as with natural medicines alone. I use Japanese Meridian Balancing, a powerful but gentle technique that is not well known in the United States. Patients usually require an initial series of 4 to 6 treatments. Acupuncture is especially effective for repairing damaged organs, building vitality and immune strength, and regulating endocrine dysfunction. Acupuncture is the preferred treatment for pain and musculoskeletal problems.
In the first visit, I will recommend what I think is the best way to proceed. You will make your own decision based on many factors, and I will be happy to discuss working with your own proposals or concerns. I do request the following. With VEGA electrodermal testing, I try to determine the best choices for natural medicines, and I try to keep those choices to a maximum of five medicines. Too many medicines can dilute the overall efficacy of the therapy. It is not helpful if you take a variety of medicines from other practitioners or if you impulsively self-medicate. The exceptions are the single homeopathic remedy administered by a classical homeopath, some basic vitamin and mineral support, and allopathic medicines prescribed by medical doctors. If there are medicines that you have been taking or think would be helpful, please bring them in during your first visit, and we can evaluate them with the VEGATEST for compatibility and suitability. This method ensures economy of action and purchase.
On visits to the clinic, please do not wear perfume or cologne, which will irritate patients with chemical sensitivities. Also, let us know if you are dog-allergic or afraid of dogs. I often allow my German Shepherd in the clinic, who is quiet, friendly and loved by most of my patients. We thoroughly clean the clinic every morning, and if a dog-allergic patient is coming in, we don’t allow the dog in the clinic that day.
I look forward to meeting you and working together to resolve your health problems. My guiding belief and 30 years of experience is this: Most health problems are temporary. The body can heal itself when given the right cues and support.
Sincerely,
Jake Paul Fratkin, OMD, L.Ac.