WHAT TO EXPECT ON 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 also discuss the value or necessity of doing certain laboratory tests.
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 or five medicines meant to last three to four weeks. These medicines include Chinese herbs (in tincture or pill form) and nutritional combination medicines. Occasionally, we will use German herbal or homeopathic medicines as well. I have found this combination to be effective clinically. Medicines following a VEGA electrodermal testing session typically cost $100 for a month's supply and are in addition to consultation fees. Many patients come in once monthly for this evaluation, without using acupuncture.
It is often helpful to do certain laboratory tests to confirm the presence and severity of different conditions. Some of these laboratory tests are done out of state and are not available locally. The most frequent tests I use look at immune function, intestinal permeability, candida and parasite levels, and food allergies. They are helpful in determining the severity of certain problems and how long it will take to repair the damage. During our first visit, I will discuss the need and cost of doing such tests. You are ultimately in control of whether to proceed with the tests or not; concerns are usually based on cost. Tests run between $100 and $250. These tests are usually performed at the beginning of treatment to help us plan the best course for recovery as well as predict the severity of your health complaint. Most insurance companies will not pay for these tests under my license as an acupuncturist.
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.
Certain patients request only acupuncture without medicines. This may be because they are getting medicines from another practitioner, or for other reasons.
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.
I look forward to meeting you and working together to resolve your health problems. My guiding belief and 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
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