05/21/2020
We’ve made some changes due to COVID-19
Hi Everyone,
I hope you have been home, and I hope you have found a measure of peace and pleasure in your Pandemic Experience. I have enjoyed both my time with Dylan, who turned two this last week, and with my immediate family. I find myself very grateful for all that I have.
Until preschool reopens, I am limited to three patients a day. My appointment times are Monday through Friday at 9, 10 and 11 am. We expect preschool to resume June 1.
During naptime, I have been studying Chinese Medicine’s teachings on treating and managing epidemics. I am also reviewing and implementing the guidelines the Chinese Medicine professional communities have put together. As this is a respiratory, virtually airborne (within a limited range) virus, I believe we will be living with these changes for a bit of time. Possibly a year or two. The transmission is too explosive.
In terms of your physical experience with Dragon’s Lair Acupuncture, there are some changes:
First, I will meet you in your car. I know summer is coming, and I will continue to text if I am running behind.
Please don your mask before getting out of your car. If you do not have a mask, I have paper masks available for $3. I will have charcoal filters available for cloth masks available for $7. Unfortunately, I am unable to treat anyone not wearing a face mask.
We will sanitize our hands upon entering the office. And I will es**rt you to the treatment room. Please try to use the bathroom before coming for acupuncture. You can, of course, still use the bathroom. .
I have installed a Carbon and HEPA Air Purifier in my treatment rooms. Each room will remain empty for 30 minutes following each client. This way, the air in the room will have a chance to filter. To accommodate this, I have set up two treatment rooms. Currently, I am not offering the shorter chair treatments.
I have de-cluttered to reduce surface contacts. ( It’s true! My sister helped, so I did not weaken and keep my clutter.) I have covered my open shelves with vinyl curtains. There is a small table and bin for your stuff.
I have removed some comforts, as well. The table heater and pad, as well as the covering scarves are no longer. (I have a plan to reintroduce them, but currently one pillowcase and sheet per person is all the laundry I can handle.) The pillows have been covered with vinyl, wipe-able, covers. The hand pillows and leg pillows are replaced by bolsters. All surfaces are wiped with a bleach solution between each person.
Using the two rooms, and allowing for environmental cleaning time, I am also going to overlap my patients.
I have gloves available for treatment. This is a mixed opinion in all that I have learned about safety and Covid 19. Gloves are truly most effective in protection from blood and bodily fluids. They can be as easily contaminated as my hands. I wash and use hand sanitizer regularly. I have no objection to working with gloves, and will use my judgement if not specifically requested to wear gloves.
I have a change of clothes, and a shower, at my office should a patient have a sneezing attack. At this juncture, it is likely to be allergies. However, it is with the premise that each person may be a carrier, and an equal threat to propagating the invasive virus vector looking for a host.
I am happy to invoice you to reduce contact with credit cards. I will also keep bleach solution available if you prefer to pay the old fashioned ways.
I appreciate your patience as I become comfortable with implementing these changes to rhythm and Living in the age of the Buggering Nuisance.
Wait, wait, there is more!!
I am aware of the symptoms and temperature check. I have little faith in this testing modality. Unfortunately, we do not currently have sufficient testing that will matter.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of Covid 19 and have been sent home to allow your body to fight it off, please call me. Many of you have been treated in the past for other acute ailments. Including the fever with chills, sore throat, muscle pain and cough. At the current time, please call me. I will be happy to assist you with herbs, or in any way I can.
DO NOT COME IN FOR ACUPUNCTURE.
II will have a waiver by my insurance company stating that I am doing my best.
Emergency warning signs for COVID-19. Seek emergency medical care immediately:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face
As this is a novel experience, it is unknown how cleanly individuals will recover. Chinese Medicine can really help in recovery. Spread the word!
Some of you may hesitate to return to acupuncture because this event has hit you financially. Please talk to me. I fully understand. I also know that the best way to weather a threat to your health is by balancing and supporting your body -- to be as strong as you can be. On the flip side, I too have been hit pretty hard financially. I have received a small grant and the standard personal stimulus to see me through. If you are able, please contribute honorably. I have opened the tip option in credit card processing. I am trying to not raise my prices. I also offer Superbills for reimbursement if your insurance will cover acupuncture. It is worth flooding the insurance companies with requests; there are usually a few hoops to establish this.
Last thing. I have resumed morning Qi Gong Practice. Qi Gong is the third pillar of Chinese Medicine (alongside acupuncture, and Chinese medicinal formulas). Qi Gong is the self-healing art of meditation in movement. If you are curious, and especially if you are a morning person, please join us. It’s a small investment in yourself, with exponential rewards.
Monday - Friday
7:30 - 8:30 am
$5 (cash)
Sumida Park, South of the basketball courts.
1809 E Gardenia Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020
(SE of Aunt Chilada’s)
Okay. I hope this is helpful to you. I hope to see you soon. If you are ready for acupuncture, I am rested and ready for you!!
Danit Polunsky, MSOM, LAc
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