PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT
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What is Acupuncture? And How Can it Help Me?
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Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine. It involves stimulating certain points on the body with needles. Acupuncture has been proven to be effective for many health conditions, including chronic pain, fertility issues, hormonal imbalance, stress, anxiety, depression, smoking cessation, and so much more.​
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Acupuncture is not the same as dry needling, which is what chiropractors are often trained to do. Chiropractors receive approximately 50 hours of training in dry needling over a weekend course before they are certified to practice this modality. In comparison, acupuncturists attend a three or four year program (depending on the college), need over 900 hours of treating patients, and sit for multiple national board exams before they can be licensed. Acupuncture treats a variety of conditions, whereas dry needling relieves muscle spasms or tightness only.
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Chinese medicine works by changing a pattern that's been established in your body. The symptoms you have are just a signal from your body that there is an internal imbalance. Our work with Chinese medicine and acupuncture involves reminding your body that it has the resources and information to change the pattern that is causing problems.
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We work with your doctors, nurses, specialists, and other Western medicine practitioners so that you receive the best comprehensive care possible.
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The goal is to not have you come in every week for the rest of your life. It's to work intensively together for a period of time and help you get back on track with your life. We are happy when our patients "graduate" from care! Of course, we do have patients who just love acupuncture and come back weekly for prevention and maintenance - and that's fine, too.
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COVID Safety Policy
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Your safety is our priority. To keep our clinic safe, patients are not allowed to bring anyone with them to their appointment, unless the patient is a child or needs assistance from a caregiver.
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​We have the right to reschedule your appointment if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have a fever. By requesting to book an appointment, you acknowledge and agree to abide by our COVID safety policy.
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A Personal Note
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Please note that we're a husband and wife team with six awesome kids and one big, friendly dog. We are a home-based business, so if you're turned off by the occasional bark or enthusiastic kid, or if you are highly allergic to dogs, please consider an alternative acupuncturist.
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How To Prepare For Your Visit
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Please wear loose-fitting clothing and remove all make-up, watches, or jewelry prior to your appointment. Tie up your hair in a loose bun or ponytail if you have long hair. Please do not scrape or brush your tongue. Eat a snack or a small meal before your visit.
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Our Missed Appointment Policy
 
A $20 deposit for all acupuncture treatments is required at the time of booking your appointment, whether online, in person or over the phone. 
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If you do not call at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule your appointment, your deposit will go towards our Pay It Forward program. Pay It Forward is our fund to provide free acupuncture treatments to underserved populations, including amputees, cancer survivors, victims of domestic abuse, and others. Your deposit will be used to support the healing of others in Central Illinois.
 
If you call more than 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule your appointment, your deposit will go towards your next appointment.
 
Please contact Genevieve and Glenn at info@laughingtao.com to arrange a group session for your organization.