First Visit

To help you know what to expect, these are parts of your plan: First Visit, Scheduling, Fees. Frequently Asked Questions are available to help answer common concerns.

How to Prepare

Before Your Visit

Dress Comfortably: Wear loose clothing that can be easily removed or adjusted for access to acupuncture points.
Eat Lightly: Have a light meal beforehand — avoid heavy meals or arriving on an empty stomach
Complete Intake Form: Please fill out your health history and consent forms online at least five hours prior to your appointment

What to Bring

Complete list or photograph of current medications and supplements (including dosages and timing) It’s essential to inform Mari of all medications and supplements you’re taking, as some herbal recommendations may interact with certain drugs. Always consult with your physician before making changes to prescribed medications.
Any relevant medical records

Safety & Medication Information

We maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety with sterile, single-use needles for every treatment, thorough sanitization of all treatment areas, and regular health protocol updates. Mari stays current with all health department guidelines to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

Regarding your medications: Acupuncture works well alongside conventional medical treatments. It’s essential to inform Mari of all medications and supplements you’re taking, as some herbal recommendations may interact with certain drugs. Always consult with your physician before making changes to prescribed medications.

Emergency Resources:

Mental Health Crisis: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Medical Emergency: 911
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

What's Included in Your First Visit

Option 1: Basic First treatment session

(60 minutes)

Option 2: Comprehensive First treatment session

(90 minutes)

All First Visits Include:

Evaluation – exploring your health history, symptoms, and wellness goals (30 minutes) with personalized treatment plan
Acupuncture – Chinese Medicine Acupuncture, Kubota Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, Far infrared therapy, Cupping therapy
Chinese Herbs & Essential Oils – Chinese essential oils application, Custom Chinese herbal formula consultation
Energy Medicine – Energy medicine session
Lifestyle & Dietary Guidance – Detailed dietary and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your needs

Follow-Up Visits (60 minutes): Focused treatment sessions building on your personalized plan, including acupuncture, appropriate adjunct therapies, herbal adjustments, and ongoing lifestyle guidance. You can add on different services to basic follow-up sessions that work best for you. We also offer Stand-Alone Sessions for your convenience.

Your Active Role in Self Care: Empowering Your Independence

Our goal is to help you become independent and self-sufficient in managing your health. When you actively participate in your healing process, recovery accelerates and becomes more sustainable. I’ll teach you practical tools to take charge of your wellbeing between sessions:

Home techniques for immediate relief – Simple acupressure points, breathing exercises, and movement practices you can use anytime symptoms arise
Lifestyle choices that support healing – Personalized nutrition guidance, sleep optimization, and stress management strategies that work with your constitution and daily routine
Seasonal wisdom to prevent flare-ups – Traditional approaches to adjusting your self-care practices throughout the year, helping you stay balanced as your body’s needs change with the seasons

This collaborative approach means you’re not dependent on frequent appointments to maintain your health. Instead, you develop the knowledge and skills to support your own healing process, making your progress faster and more lasting. Many patients find that taking an active role in their care gives them confidence and control over their health journey.

This intensive first session allows me to gain an understanding of your unique health picture. You’ll leave with a clear treatment plan, realistic timeline for results, and any recommended herbs or lifestyle changes. Questions are always welcome throughout the process.

“Mari is exceptionally gifted with her work and quality of care. She is kind, knowledgeable, and her work is comprehensive. I always feel the benefits of receiving her work for days after the session. Her office is clean, easy to access with ample parking. Highly recommended!”

— Celeste C.

This information is educational and does not constitute medical advice. Always discuss health concerns with your healthcare provider.

Mari Kubota L.Ac. has over 20 years of experience with Traditional Chinese Medicine & Japanese acupuncture in the East Bay – Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco.