You don't need to prepare much for acupuncture at Puzzle, and you don't need to give anything up afterward.
Before You Come: Eat a Little, Fill Out Two Forms, Dress Loose
Have a small snack before you come in. Needling on an empty stomach can make you lightheaded.
Once you book, we send you an intake form and a consent form. Fill out both before you arrive, and be honest about your medical history. Tell me if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, bruise or bleed easily, take blood thinners, or have a skin infection anywhere I might place a needle.
Cheek acupuncture only needs your face, so any clothes work. But I often find problems during treatment that aren't on the intake form, and then I may add FSN (Fu's Subcutaneous Needling) to release a larger area, like your shoulders or lower back. Loose, comfortable clothes make that easy.
Yes, I'll Ask About Your Poop
I'll ask about your lifestyle and answer whatever questions you have. For women that includes your period. For everyone it includes digestion, and sometimes the color of your poop. These are normal questions in integrative medicine, because I treat you as a whole person instead of checking a box.
Cheek Acupuncture Should Work While You're Still on the Table
You lie down, I place the needles, and pain and tension should let go right away while I check the muscle with my hands. You won't be waiting one or two days to feel a difference.
If any spot still hurts, tell me then. I'll adjust the needles so we can treat it better.
Chronic pain, especially pain you've had for more than three years, may move less after the first treatment. From the second treatment on, many patients get much longer relief, and it keeps lasting longer as treatment goes on.
Local test booking. No email is sent.
15-minute Strategy Session
Not sure acupuncture is right for you?
Take the 1st Step Towards Solving Your Health Puzzle
What’s included
- Discuss your health concerns and goals
- Address any questions before committing to your first appointment
- We'll determine the best approach
“She's the first doctor that made me feel human and not like just another nameless number.”
GC, on Zocdoc
Next available
Loading available times…
Pacific time. No payment is taken online.
See other times
Pick a time
Times in Pacific time (San Francisco).
FSN Is a Session You Take Part In
With the needle in, I'll ask you to tense the muscle we're working on. That activates it and pushes blood flow through the tight spot so it can release. Come ready to move and work with me.
It Usually Hurts Less Than You Think
With cheek acupuncture you'll feel a tiny prick as the needle goes in, then nothing. These are the finest needles I have, barely thicker than a hair.
FSN usually doesn't hurt at all. If the needle bumps a small blood vessel, you'll feel a sharp spot. Tell me, I'll adjust the needle, and it stops.
Afterward: A Small Mark, and No List of Rules
A needle mark usually fades within an hour or two. If a needle touched a small blood vessel you might get a little bruise, which heals in about two days. That happens more often with FSN.
A traditional Chinese medicine doctor might tell you to skip spicy food, iced drinks and alcohol. After treating people from so many different backgrounds, I've learned to respect how each person lives. I'm not trying to change who you are. I build your treatment plan around your lifestyle, so if you have questions about food, drinks or anything else, just ask.
