Espri Integrative Wellness

Illness Policy

Guidelines to Protect Your Health and the Health of Others:

If you are feeling unwell, regardless of whether you suspect it may be COVID-19, I kindly ask that you contact me to reschedule your appointment, opt for a virtual consultation or be cleared for an in-person visit. During a virtual appointment (TCM Telehealth), I can provide recommendations for home care, including food therapy (such as specific teas and foods), hands-on techniques like moxa or gua sha, herbal advice, and more. There are numerous steps you can take at home to care for yourself effectively.

Symptoms that suggest a need to reschedule include: 

  • fever 

  • chills 

  • sore throat 

  • persistent cough 

  • excessive fatigue 

  • unusual body aches 

  • changes in taste or smell

  • vomiting

  • severe digestive disturbances 

If you are uncertain, please feel free to contact me for guidance. Those who have been cleared for an in-person visit who are also exhibiting minor symptoms will need to take a COVID test prior to their appointment and wear a mask for the duration of their visit. 

In the event that you have tested positive for COVID-19, please refrain from attending the clinic for at least 6 days from the onset of symptoms. Additionally, I ask that you take a rapid COVID test within a few hours of your next scheduled appointment. If you do not have access to a test, please wait until 6 days have passed and your symptoms have fully resolved before rescheduling.

Should you need to reschedule, please notify me at your earliest convenience. Please note that, under certain circumstances, a late cancellation fee may apply if your appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours before your session. However, switching to a virtual appointment (TCM Telehealth) within the 24-hour window will not be considered a late cancellation.

Additionally, I request that you wear a mask in the clinic if you are recovering from an illness and/or experiencing upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing, frequent sneezing, or a sore throat—even if you believe it is due to allergies. If you do not have a mask, disposable ones will be available at the clinic. If you decline to wear a mask, your appointment will be rescheduled, and a late cancellation fee will apply (the amount varies depending on the type of appointment; please refer to the Cancellation Policy for details). You are, of course, welcome to wear a mask at any time, regardless of symptoms.

Measures I Take To Ensure the Health of the Patients

  • Utilize a HEPA air filter in the treatment room during sessions

  • Clean, sanitize and sterilize equipment, surfaces, treatment table and tools between each patient

  • Implement Clean Needle Technique during every treatment

  • Cancel or reschedule patient appointments if I am unwell

  • Wear a mask during an illness recovery period

  • Inform each patient of my recovery status

Thank You for Your Consideration and Understanding

While acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are wonderful treatment options for treating symptoms of acute illness and recovery, it is still important to communicate with your provider when you are feeling unwell to ensure that proper measures are taken to prevent of the spread of illness to others. Many options are available to support your wellness outside of the treatment room and may be ideal in a scenario when contagious illness is suspected.

Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss individual options for acute illness support, or for any questions or concerns regarding this policy. I am available by email, text or phone call, and I will be happy to assist you in making the appropriate arrangements.

Thank you,

Jasmine Villarreal, L.Ac.

828-630-7419

Espri@espriintegrativewellness.com