New Patients · Hillcrest, San Diego
Whether you're coming for acupuncture or beginning the alchemical work, here is how the first visit unfolds, what it costs, and how to prepare.
Acupuncture
It begins with a brief consultation call, ten to fifteen minutes, to talk through what's bringing you in and decide together whether this is the right work for you. Your first session then runs up to 90 minutes and lays the foundation for everything that follows.
Intake & assessment
Treatment
Your path forward
Pricing
In-network with Cigna. Superbills provided for all other insurers (Blue Cross, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and more). HSA/FSA accepted. Payment is due at the time of service.
In-network with Cigna
Daoist Alchemy
The Initiation opens with a conversation about what's drawing you to this work. From there we map your elemental makeup, sketching a rough picture of your top three elements in their approximate order, and talk through what that constellation means for you. If there's time and you feel ready, we begin the Nine Stages together in that first session.
Inside the session
Pricing
Most people return to the Nine Stages every two to four weeks. Daoist Alchemy is a cash-only practice and is not billed to insurance.
These apply to both acupuncture and alchemy.
What to bring
What to wear
Loose, comfortable clothing that slides past your knees and elbows. Layers are a good idea.
Intake forms
Complete your forms before arriving and send them to my admin, Dan, at info@gatewayacu.com to make the most of your time in the room. Forms include informed consent, HIPAA, clinic policies, credit card authorization, and health history.
Online intake with e-signature is coming soon.
Parking & directions
Address: 3636 5th Ave, Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92103
Parking: Six spots (#6, #8, #10, #12, #14, #16) are available in the lot behind the clinic, entered from 4th Ave, for $3 (cash or Venmo). Street and metered parking are also available on 5th Ave and nearby.
Entrance: Suite 101 is downstairs at the Garden Level, reached from the Street Level (second floor) by elevator or the internal stairwell near the parking lot. Knock gently, take a seat in the hallway, and I'll be with you as soon as I can.
Bathroom: The code is 8383, located on the second level. I recommend using it before our session.
If you're not sure, that's exactly what the first conversation is for. Book a complimentary consultation and we'll decide together which path, acupuncture or alchemy, fits where you are.
Most people find it deeply relaxing. I use ultra-fine needles, and many patients fall asleep during treatment. If you're needle-sensitive, I can activate the channels using acupressure or through non-contact methods.
We don't measure healing in a set number of sessions. Every visit is its own reassessment. Many people feel a shift early. Recent issues often move quickly; patterns held for a long time unwind more gradually. How it goes has as much to do with what you bring to the work as with the treatment itself.
You can still receive treatment via energetic acupressure or remotely via distance healing. This will come up in our consultation call.
In-network with Cigna. For all other insurers, I provide detailed superbills for reimbursement. HSA/FSA accepted. Daoist Alchemy is cash-only and not billed to insurance.
Classical Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated and considered appropriate for most people when performed by a licensed practitioner. We'll discuss any contraindications and adjust treatment accordingly during your consultation call.
More questions? Read the full FAQ page →