Dear Friends and Patrons of CommuniChi,
In this time of unprecedented public health challenge due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, acupuncture can be of great benefit in boosting the immune system and thereby protecting oneself from disease, reducing anxiety and fear, and enhancing an overall sense of well being. These are important benefits for oneself, one’s family and friends, and one’s community, as we all grapple to respond to this extremely challenging situation.
CommuniChi is implementing the following protocols in order to help protect your health and prevent disease spread. First and foremost: STAY HOME IF YOU’RE SICK with any of the following symptoms, fever, sore throat, dry cough and sneezing. Non-vented face masks must be worn at all times inside the clinic. In order to minimize my tasks and allow myself to devote my time and energy more fully to serving you, please schedule your appointment online.
When you arrive at the clinic, please wash your hands or use the hand sanitizer in the waiting area. I will provide fresh sheets for the recliner chairs and change them after each treatment. For the safety and comfort of others, please avoid lingering in the waiting room after your treatment. From my side, I will follow standard clean needle protocols including washing my hands after each client contact. I will also keep the main treatment room warm so as to minimize the need for blankets. I will continue to provide clean blankets. Please do not bring a blanket from home. Doorknobs and bathroom surfaces are regularly disinfected during each shift.
General life recommendations:
PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING. Unless you need to shop for food, or have medical needs (such as acupuncture). Be smart and alert when you go out, staying at least 6 feet away from people whenever possible. When you return home, immediately wash your hands or better yet, keep hand sanitizer in your car.
WASH HANDS! Be responsible to yourself. Take care of yourself, and take precautions. Washing your hand and wearing a face mask are the most effective prevention against viral transmission. Get adequate sleep, eat nourishing foods. But Wash. Your. Hands. Avoid touching your face especially while in public.
BE COMPASSIONATE TO OTHERS This includes staying home if you’re sick. It includes coughing into your elbow or a tissue. It also includes being self-aware. If you’re under the weather, or if you’ve been around someone who is, consider avoiding places where you might contact vulnerable people (kids, elders, immune-compromised folks), like daycare centers, nursing homes, and hospitals. Incubation period for the disease is 1 to 14 days according to the W.H.O. (link below).
Check in with loved ones. Remain generous and connected, even if that’s by phone or online. Do not engage in xenophobia. Stay informed; avoid unreliable news sources. And support local and national efforts to enact universal health care. If some of us are left behind, we’re all at risk.
If you are among the populations at higher risk of succumbing to the COVID 19 virus, health authorities (see links below) recommend that you carefully limit your exposure. Otherwise, if you can follow some simple guidelines at the clinic, I am here to support you. Getting acupuncture is one of the best things you can do to help your immune system function at its best, and also to de-stress. So let’s help each other through this unsettling time.
For more information, please visit:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Washington State Department of Health.
May all beings be healthy and happy, safe and protected, peaceful and free.