What to Expect

Network Chiropractic with Dr. Dan Garfield

Dr. Dan Garfield of Network Chiropractic Northampton practices network spinal analysis (NSA) and network chiropractic, a gentle form of treatment using light touch techniques and low-force adjustments to align the neurological and musculoskeletal systems of the body.

Initial Visit

Your first visit consists of a consultation, a spinal examination and the first entrainment, the gentle, hands-on work that Dan uses for therapeutic purposes. This visit will take between 45 – 60 minutes. We ask you to fill out an initial health profile and sign a statement of purpose (both available ___ ) and to bring them with you to your first appointment.

Office Visit

Each office visit is tailored to your specific spinal and health needs at that time. Visits most often last from 20 – 35 minutes and consists of Dan making gentle contacts at various places along the spine, the skull and the extremities. Dan will also work with various tools to help you become more connected to how and where you are holding tension patterns in your body. These include breathing, gentle movements and focused awareness. More structural chiropractic adjustments are also part of Dan’s repertoire.

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
with Amy Mager

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a method of bringing balance, treating illness and disease involving the insertion of very fine needles through the skin into the body.

Before Your Session

Prior to treatment, you can expect to fill out forms asking a few detailed questions. You will meet with Amy for an in-depth conversation about your signs and symptoms and your comprehensive health history. You may be asked some questions about your diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Amy will then go over the forms with you, asking questions, taking your pulse, looking at your tongue.  If there is anything else you want her to know that is important to your working relationship with Amy this is the time to tell her.

During Acupuncture Treatment

Undressing is seldom necessary for acupuncture treatments but you should wear loose, comfortable clothes. When beginning your session, you will have acupuncture needles inserted gently into the skin. You may receive other treatments such as gua sha or moxibustion at the same time as acupuncture. During treatment, you may lay back on a table with pillows under your head and knees. Depending on what is going on for you, you may lie on your side or be asked to lie on your stomach for treatment. The table can be heated if you would like. Amy will cover you with a light blanket to keep you warm and ensure the needles are not being pressed on by the blanket.

Amy may step out of the room and come back to check on you in 15-20 minutes (earlier if you prefer). Your needles will stay in for approximately 45 minutes unless it’s determined that a different plan would better serve you. Please let Amy know if you have any concerns or questions. Her goal is for you to feel safe and warm.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

The acupuncture treatments themselves typically do not hurt. Occasionally you will feel a pinching sensation as the needles are inserted. With the needles in place, you may feel pressure, tingling, or aching. This is the Qi /Life Force being activated. It is not expected to be uncomfortable or painful. If you do experience any pain or discomfort, tell Amy immediately, as your needles may need to be adjusted.

After Acupuncture Treatment

After an acupuncture treatment you will be advised to rest and drink extra water. Most people feel very relaxed and energized after an acupuncture treatment. On occasion you may experience a small bruise where a needle was inserted. This is possible and atypical.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Chinese Medicine uses the Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic system to evaluate you and your symptoms. The plan is to create a formula for you to bring you back into balance and your meridian system into the dynamic balance that generates life force and therefore healing. There are several cycles in Chinese Medicine diagnostics – the cycle of generaties life force and growth and the cycle of over-acting, which is when we see untoward symptoms occurring. Chinese Medicine is a tool that helps many to bring back the dynamic balance that generates health. Chinese Medicine can also be used to address effects of other medicines or on its own or with Acupuncture treatment.

Do List Current Medications & Supplements

Bring a list of every supplement and pharmacological medication you are taking. It is important to be clear and direct about any pharmacological medication or supplement you are taking to make sure you are getting the medicines that are appropriate for you and that there will be no interactions with anything you are already taking.