Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment to see Claudette Baker? 

All new patients will make an initial appointment by calling 847-998-8860, then download and complete the new patient intake forms which can be found under the "health history forms" tab on this website.  Please bring copies of pertinent lab reports and studies to your initial appointment.  

What should I expect during my first appointment? 

The initial appointment is about 90 minutes long; a 30-60 minute consultation and a 30-minute acupuncture treatment. During the consultation Ms. Baker will discuss your health history and reason for seeking Oriental Medicine. An individual treatment plan will then be designed, consisting of acupuncture, herbal recommendations, and life style suggestions.  

What should I expect during the acupuncture treatment? 

Acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, very thin, and elicit a 'qi' sensation or minor, fleeting twinges of energy when the needles are initially inserted.  Typically, the treatment is both relaxing and painless. Needles are retained for approximately 30 minutes while laying on a warm amethyst BioMat, that: improves the circulation of blood and lymph, can reduce inflammation and pain, induces a deep state of relaxation to reduce stress.  For more information on the BioMat, go to www.cbaker.thebiomatcompany.us  

Is acupuncture Flex, HSA and MSA Qualified? 

Acupuncture is a qualified expense for Health Savings Accounts, Medical Savings Accounts and Flex Spending Accounts. 

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover any licensed health care provider for acupuncture.  Some companies comply, so please call to make sure that yours will.    

Can I still benefit from treatments if I am feeling fine? 

Yes. Tune-ups are a great way to optimize your health and athletic performance throughout the seasons! Be pro-active and schedule your treatment now.  Acupuncture, along with Chinese herbs and specific supplements can help the body ward off early signs of colds, allergies, GI discomfort, and pain.    

What should I expect after my first appointment? 

 Most people report feeling very relaxed, yet energetic after treatments, although sometimes they feel the need to rest afterwards.  We encourage you to listen to your body.  Please avoid vigorous exercise 2 hours before or after treatments to allow your body to make the necessary calibrations towards balance.  Because no two people or conditions are identical, it is difficult to predict with certainty how long it will take to attain good health or for the pain to resolve.  It will greatly depend upon compliance and the lifestyle changes that each person makes to accommodate the healing process.  

What are Chinese Herbs? 

 Chinese herbs are plants and/or minerals that have healing qualities and assist the body in re-establishing its normal function and vitality. Most of the herbs that we use are in the form of capsules, tablets or instant teas and are easy to take.  All herbs and supplements that we carry have been tested for heavy metals, impurities, bacteria and mold, and comply with the FDA’s regulations and New Good Manufacturing Guidelines (nGMP).  They do not contain pharmaceutical drug or anything that synthetic.  

How many acupuncture treatments will I need? 

 Most patients receive acupuncture treatments weekly unless there is severe pain, which requires two or three sessions a week for a short period of time. If the condition is chronic, it may take 10 or more sessions before judging whether the treatments are effective, however, most people see results after a few sessions.  It is important to follow recommendations and to keep the scheduled acupuncture treatments for optimal results.  

What can I do to ensure that my treatments are effective? 

   Be committed to your weekly appointments. Acupuncture treatments are cumulative and will be more effective if you are consistent during the course of treatment.  It is necessary to assess the changes that occur from week to week, which is why the treatments may be slightly different from time to time. Missing an occasional week is not problematic, providing you continue taking the herbs while you are away.  

   The success of the treatments depends not only on the expertise of the practitioner, but also on the level of your participation in the treatment plan.  These time-tested natural health practices yield wonderful results when practiced on a daily basis. If many lifestyle changes are suggested, they can be made over weeks and sometimes months.  The overall goal is to be successful. We will help you to prioritize the changes and support you in the process.  

   Take herbs and supplements as directed. Chinese herbal medicine has been SAFELY used for thousands of years with great success. The formulas and protocols are well thought-out and are most successful if you follow the plan designed for you. The herbs are re-assessed each week. They may need to be modified or changed during different times of the month or for acute illness or injury. Please contact the clinic if you have any questions, your condition has changed, or are experiencing difficulties with them.   We prefer that you do not wait until your next scheduled appointment, as we may need to adjust the protocol.  

What ailments or conditions can be effectively treated with acupuncture? 

 The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture and Oriental medicine as effective for over 43 common ailments including allergies, arthritis, asthma, depression, hypertension, indigestion, infertility, menopause, migraine headaches, pain, PMS, side-effects to cancer treatments, and post-operative pain and nausea, to name just a few.  

Which brands of herbs and supplements do you carry? 

 We carry a wide variety of herbs and supplements including: Evergreen Chinese Herbs,  Blue Poppy, Douglas Labs,  Host Defense, Mayway, Natural Vitality, Apex Energetics, New Chapter Supplements, Pacific Biologic, Snow Lotus organic essential oils, and Richway BioMats,.