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Dr. Mindy Boxer – What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Appointment

Just like every patient is unique with specific needs and expectations, every practitioner is also unique with specific needs and expectations. If Acupuncture is a new experience for you, you might be wondering what to expect. While not every practice is the same, there are a few general principles that will guide your first appointment. 

After making your appointment and arriving at the office, you can expect a lengthy health intake interview that might include questions you may never have heard before. As previously mentioned, every practitioner has their own intake process and personality and there are standard health questions that will be covered in this interview.

You should be prepared to share your care plans with other health care providers before diving into whatever your primary health complaint might be. You could be asked about your sleeping and digestive patterns, emotional and mental quality of life and stress levels just to name a few. It’s important that you answer all questions honestly and completely to increase the accuracy of the diagnosis and to help me develop an accurate and effective treatment plan.

The purpose of these questions is to uncover the underlying health issue, which might not be what you came in for. For example, I might be asking about your sleep habits when you are coming in to see them for chronic pain. However, what I am doing is looking for cues that are leading them to the actual diagnosis of what is happening in your body. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine look at the body in totality, so these questions are really getting at the heart of the issue, even if it feels like it’s irrelevant to you.

The next thing you can expect is a taking of the pulse and an observation of the tongue. Every practitioner has a different technique, taking the pulse is the most objective way to get a feel for what is happening in your entire body. In Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, the tongue is believed to be a microcosm of the entire body. This means that observing the quality of the tongue can tell me  what is happening in that corresponding part of the body.

And the next step is the actual treatment. This will consist of very thin, hair-like needles being placed at specific points on the body. Other techniques include moxibustion, cupping, and herbal therapy depending on what I find and what you would benefit from at this time. You shouldn’t feel too much discomfort during the treatment and make sure you ask any questions, so you feel comfortable before treatment begins or during the treatment as well.

Once the treatment is complete, I will discuss future treatment options and provide any recommendations such as supplements or herbal formulas. If this is not something you are familiar with, don’t hesitate to ask questions. As with any treatment plan, success depends on compliance with all recommendations so make sure you understand all of the recommendations and are prepared to follow all instructions in your care plan.

I will then work with you to schedule future appointments regarding your specific treatment plan. Depending on the issue being treated, you may need to go weekly or more often for treatment to keep your Qi moving and notice improvement. The benefits of Acupuncture can continue for several days after treatment as your body begins to recognize this realignment. However, if you are concerned about any part of your treatment, contact me immediately to put your mind at ease.

Now that you know what to expect at your first appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to me ~ so you can get started with an integrated approach to your healthcare right away!


Dr. Mindy Boxer is a holistic practitioner who has grown into her specialties in an organic way. Understanding a range of disciplines allows her to integrate the wisdom of Ancient healing in combination with the most recent innovations in Scientific research. This dynamic blend has enabled Dr. Boxer to help patients in the prevention and treatment of disease for over 25 years.
At age 15, Dr. Boxer began her lifelong practice of Yoga & Meditation, read many Nutrition books, began Juicing her Vegetables, and explored and all Raw Diet.  Recognizing the importance of Nutrition in overall health, she earned her Ph.D. in 1986 in Nutrition and Human Behavior, providing her with a solid foundation to counsel and educate patients on how to attain health and vitality.
Her informative Lectures and appetizing Cooking Classes were the perfect forum to educate the community about the effects of food on Mood and Behavior, as well as in innovative ways to balance Body Chemistry in order to achieve overall well being.
Sensing a need to expand her training and understanding of the human body as a whole system, Dr. Boxer continued her studies in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,  and in 1993 earned a Masters Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Medical Board of the State of California in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and is also licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.
These diverse disciplines give Dr. Boxer a unique view of the human body and how to keep it functioning in an optimal manner. Her practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Functional Nutrition have a profound effect on Hormonal balance, Rejuvenation, and Immune system enhancement.

Dr. Boxer has a particularly keen understanding of Women’s Health issues including Gynecological irregularity, PMS, Fertility, IUI & UVF support, Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, and Menopausal issues. Her interest in the human body as a dynamic system has given her the understanding to deal with such problems as improper Digestion and elimination, Cancer Support, Allergies, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.
She has also studied the art and science of Homeopathy, earning her Diplomate in Homeopathy from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in 1995. This allows her to treat the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally.
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