What First Time Patients Need to Know

Learn: about completing patient forms, what to wear, how to prepare, length of visit, cost, and location and parking details.

New Patient forms

Please complete forms online before your appointment. 

You want to provide your practitioner a snapshot of your current problem as well as your health history. Your practitioner can then ask focused questions that will assist in developing an acupuncture therapy strategy that best suits your goals. Asian Medicine is different from most of the medicine we have experienced. Details about your health that seem completely unrelated to your current medical issue(s) are usually extremely important to know about. Providing your acupuncturist with as many answers will mean you will get a better outcome from your therapy sessions. Answer more questions - get better results! So, take your time and be thorough.

Check your email for your appointment confirmation that contains a link to complete forms online. (If you don't see the confirmation email, please also check your spam folder.)

What to wear

Please wear a mask (KN95) if you have a cough or if think you have a respiratory infection. You are also welcome to wear a mask if you feel safer wearing one. Ask for a mask if you forgot yours.

We have comfy blankets to keep you warm during your acupuncture therapy session. But you are more than welcome to bring your favorite pillow or blanket from home if you prefer. 

No matter what or where your problem is located, your acupuncturist needs access to your legs from your feet up to your knees; and access to your arms from your hands up to your elbows. Your acupuncturist will explain the reasoning for this at your visit.

To get the best acupuncture therapy, please dress with this in mind or bring a change of loose fitting clothes.

Prepare by eating a snack or meal

Eat something within 3 hours of your acupuncture therapy session.

Why? Because your body needs "fuel" to accomplish the work it will do to get better. Balance Method Acupuncture will help your body work smarter but it will need "fuel" to accomplish this work.  A light snack or regular meal is appropriate. 

How Long Will My Visit Last

Your first visit can run as long as 1 hour and 45 minutes. This length of time helps ensure the best possible outcome from your first acupuncture therapy session as well as those that follow. 

If Tona has treated you before (at Downtown Community Acupuncture) then your first appointment will be around one (1) hour in length.

How much does this cost

Your Neighborhood Acupuncture Sliding Scale is $45 - $70. This will sound unusual, but PAY WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU. You'll get the same service no matter what you pay. Accepted forms of payment are Apple Pay, Google pay, Visa, MasterCard, AmericanExpress, Discover, Personal Checks and Cash. Please be aware if paying by cash CHANGE MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE.

To learn how to best utilize your Neighborhood Sliding Scale please tap/click PRICING

Neighborhood Acupuncture in Arrellaga Plaza

Location/Parking

Neighborhood Acupuncture

601 E. Arrellaga Street

Suite 202

Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Off street parking is located behind the office complex. Drive up the inclined driveway located on the LEFT hand side of the office complex to access the parking lot. Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time.