What to expect on your acupuncture visit
- Your first acupuncture visit will last 90 minutes. Follow up visits will last 60 - 90 minutes.
- We will begin with an in-depth patient intake about your health concerns, past health history, lifestyle, goals for treatment and any questions you may have about the treatment process.
- I will ask to look at your tongue - the structure, color and coating of your tongue provides information about your physical health. We ask that you refrain from brushing your tongue prior to your visit so as to get an accurate reading.
- I will ask to feel your pulse. Chinese medical pulse palpation is different from Western medical pulse-taking (which mainly focuses on the heart rate). Your pulse will be palpated in six different positions - three on each wrist. Each of these positions provides information about different aspects of your health and the causes for your symptoms.
- Your diagnosis will be based on your intake, tongue and pulse. A treatment plan will be devised specifically for your individual needs.
- Once the acupuncture needles have been inserted into the appropriate points in your body, I will leave you to relax in a serene treatment room for 30-45 minutes, allowing the needles sufficient time to influence your body's Qi. Additional modalities may be used, such as Cupping, Moxibustion, Auricular Acupuncture, and Asian Bodywork. This is an ideal time for you to take advantage of this quiet space and time to focus on your healing and relaxation.
- Your individual needs determine how often, and for how long, you will need to receive treatments (generally once a week). As your condition improves, and your symptoms are alleviated, we will re-evaluate the frequency of your treatments. They may be reduced to every other week, monthly or even seasonally.
- Please eat a light meal at least 1 hour prior to your visit
- Please do not drink alcohol or be under the influence of drugs
- Please wear loose fitted clothing
