Informed Consent to Receive Treatment

Carol Baker provides alternative healing modalities under the philosophy that a person’s ongoing health through life is benefited by attending to the energetic alignment of the body, mind and spirit to promote vitality and a positive mindset.

The Chinese Medicine belief is that the body’s energetic circuit needs to be free flowing to maintain health is at the core of the work offered by Carol Baker. It is believed there are many benefits to maintaining this free flow of energy, or qi, on all three levels of a person) body, mind and spirit). The modalities used to achieve this work include:

-Acupressure/Shiatsu (energetic bodywork that uses the stimulation of acu-points in an attempt to balance energy, clear blocks, and tonify weakness);
-Moxibustion (the burning of the Chinese herb Ai Ye (Mugwort leaf) indirectly or directly on the surface of the skin, intending to warm and stimulate qi and blood via activating certain acu-points);
-Gua Sha (applying repeated pressured strokes over oiled skin with a smooth edge, most often a ceramic Chinese soup spoon, in an attempt to treat pain, relieve stagnation, stimulate the various organ systems, and release heat from the body);
-Cupping (applying suction to the skin with cups, in an attempt to treat pain, relieve stagnation, stimulate the various organ systems, and release heat from the body);
-I am aware that certain unlikely adverse side effects may result from any of these treatments, including:- discomfort or pain during the treatment (please alert your practitioner as soon as you experience any discomfort) - fainting or feeling dizzy getting up off the table due to energetic shifts
-the possible temporary aggravation of symptoms existing prior to treatment (healing crisis)
-bruising and temporary discoloration of the skin (and in rare cases blistering)
-sore muscles or aches after a treatment
-irritability, change in bowel movements, or change in energy level
-heat sensitivity from moxibustion (and in extremely rare cases burning or scarring)

Please let me know about any concerns or discomforts that arise during or after a treatment. Communication with your practitioner about any difficulties you may have is essential for your ongoing healing. Please let your practitioner know if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or heart condition, have a seizure disorder, a bleeding disorder or have blood clots, or are taking blood thinners.

Please let me know about any changes in your health status (e.g. a new pregnancy, a new diagnosis from a doctor) as soon as you are able.

The healing work that is done by Carol Baker is meant to supplement your medical care and is not a substitute for regular primary care by a licensed physician. I am not a primary care provider and encourage you to maintain your primary care visits with your doctor and report any problems to your doctor as they arise. While receiving treatments by Carol Baker it is recommended you continue to take any medications prescribed by your doctor until your doctor deems them unnecessary.

I understand that I may refuse any of the above treatments at any time. I understand that it is not within the scope of Carol Baker to offer a Western medical diagnosis and that it may be my responsibility to seek such a diagnosis elsewhere. In fact, such diagnoses are extremely helpful in my work. I understand there may be other treatment alternatives, including treatment offered by a licensed physician. I understand that no promises or guarantees concerning treatment can be made regarding the outcome of treatment and that reasonable efforts will be made to give me information so that I might make educated decisions regarding the duration and appropriateness of continued care.

COVID-19

-Masks are no longer required and now optional

-If there is an outbreak in the community I tend to wear a mask

-I am happy to wear a mask upon request

-If you have any cold/flu-like symptoms, please wear a mask or contact me to discuss options

-If you are immunocompromised or have concerns, for minimal exposure, schedule morning appointments. If I can help accommodate you, please let me know