Your First Visit to POPULUSS

At POPULUSS we offer a safe and relaxing environment for you to receive your treatments. We strive to make your health care experience a calm and serene one, offering you an opportunity to unplug, refresh and regenerate.

The initial intake exam will focus on your main reason(s) for seeking treatment and include a comprehensive medical history. Questions are asked to better understand the current functioning of your whole internal environment.

A Classical Chinese Medicine diagnosis of your condition is formulated by identifying how underlying imbalances to your primary health complaint can influence each other to establish a “Pattern of Disharmony”. Various types of “disharmony” are interpreted through the “five phase” and “six confirmation’” diagnostic systems of Classical Chinese Medicine which indicate specific treatment methods to resolve illness.

Other traditional diagnostic methods such as pulse diagnosis and abdominal palpation (fukushin) are utilized during your exam to confirm the pattern of disharmony, and guide treatment plan methodology (such as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping, Gua Sha and/or Moxibustion).

Jingfang style herbal medicine utilizes traditional herbal formulas which consist of a few herbs that have strictly designated roles. Some of them are the main active ingredients that address the primary complaint. Others may address secondary complaints or symptoms. In this manner each herbal formula prescription is uniquely customized to address your specific needs.

Based on your pattern of disharmony diagnosis we will create a personalized treatment plan for you that seeks to address the root cause of your illness or injury. Our onsite professional herbal compounding pharmacy is available to blend your personalized herbal prescriptions for you on the spot.

If you are being treated with Acupuncture you will rest and relax for about 30 minutes During the treatment many patients meditate or even drift off to sleep. At the conclusion of your session we will remove the needles or cups and send you home with your personalized POPULUSS Chinese herbal medicine compound, along with a plan for your next steps and follow-up.

How Should I Prepare?

• Write down and bring any questions you have to your appointment.
• Fill out and sign your intake forms online before your appointment. Check your inbox for your personalized link after you’ve booked your appointment.
• When receiving acupuncture, wear loose comfortable clothing to the appointment. In most cases, the practitioner can administer the treatment by shifting your clothing or asking you to remove some articles. If your treatment necessitates fully undressing gowns and sheets are provided. We will always work to your comfort level.
• Having a small healthy snack approximately 1 hour before your treatment is recommended. Skipping meals before your treatment may cause you to feel dizzy or light headed. Following your treatment, you are advised to drink ample room temperature or warm water.
• Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.
  

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin, and in fact several times thinner than needles used for injections or drawing blood. You may experience a slight prick similar in sensation to a bug bite when the needle is inserted, but this is usually very brief, oftentimes there is no sensation at all. You may also feel some tingling, numbness, or a dull ache at the insertion site. These sensations are normal and usually subside quickly.

NOTE: Certain acupuncture points can be more sensitive than others. We try not to use the painful points if not necessary, though there are times when they are most effective. If you are sensitive to needles, let us know and we’ll make sure to balance your comfort with your health goals.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Acupuncture treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors such as your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the presence of other concurrent imbalances. Acupuncture sessions may be prescribed once or twice per week for acute care, or monthly/bi-monthly for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”.

Herbal medicine is consumed 1-2 times per day over the course of a few weeks for acute illnesses, or sometimes several months/years in chronic cases. Prescriptions are filled for a duration of every 1-4 weeks depending on the stage of the illness. In person follow up consultations are recommended 1-2 times per month to accurately reevaluate symptoms and retake pulse. Prescription refills are prescribed on a case by case basis.

We understand you may be apprehensive If it’s your first time experiencing acupuncture or other methods of Classical Eastern Healing. We will guide you through the entire process so that you know what to expect. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns as we go.

“I’ve been receiving acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments from Joe since 2022. He’s treated my bursitis, pinched nerves, stress, digestive problems, allergies and workout injuries – all with great success. I go to him first for all my health issues, and I drive 3 hours each way just to see him because I know I’ll get the care I need. Joe is patient, takes the time to understand what’s going on, and tailors his treatments to me. If you’re looking to try acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine for the first time, or if you’re a regular looking for an experienced practitioner to improve your health and well-being, Joe is your guy. Thanks Joe, for everything. ~A” – Aimee M. Bryan

Book Your Free Consultation Today

POPULUSS is your premier provider of Classical Chinese Medicine, incorporating Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, in Marina del Rey, Venice, and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area.

Specializing in:  treatment of pain relief, neuropathy, sports medicine, migraines, stress/anxiety/depression, insomnia, infertility, PMS, menopause, allergies, indigestion, dermatology, Long Covid and more.