HOW DO I PREPARE?
Please wear comfortable, loose clothing as this makes it easier to gain access to acupuncture points. Please eat a light snack or meal one to two hours before your treatment. Refrain from eating a large meal right before your treatment.
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation will last approximately 1-1 ½ hours. During the initial exam a full health history is taken. A nerve express test (which measures organ stress and energy reserves) will be conducted, blood pressure, weight, height, % body fat (if appropriate) and a pulse and tongue diagnosis will be performed. The practitioner may also examine appropriate acupuncture meridians which relate to the patient’s symptoms. The practitioner will compile the information obtained during the initial exam for which a report of findings and treatment plan will be discussed with the patient on the follow-up visit.
Report of Findings Visit
This visit will take approximately 1 ½ hours. The report of findings and treatment plan will be discussed. The first acupuncture treatment will take place at this visit.
Follow-Up Visits
These visits will take approximately 1 hour and will include discussion of symptoms and acupuncture treatment.
What does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Acupuncture is not painful. We use fine, sterile, one-time use disposable needles which are placed at specific acupuncture points. With the insertion of the needles you may feel a small prick-like sensation. After the needles are in you may experience a dull ache, a warm or full sensation where the needle has been placed or an electrical sensation which may radiate up or down the body. These are all normal sensations and signify that energy is moving in your body. It is also perfectly normal to feel no sensation at all after needle insertion. The needles will be retained for 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the patient. During the treatment it is not uncommon to fall asleep.
How will I feel after my Treatment?
Some patients may feel energized or euphoric after their treatment. Other patients may feel relaxed or tired after the treatment, so plan your day accordingly. It is important that you try to avoid stress after your treatment and refrain from exercise or overexertion for at least two hours. This will increase the effectiveness of the treatment and allow your health to improve more quickly. Between visits, make note of any changes in your symptoms or health and report back to your practitioner at your next visit.
How many treatments do I need?
A report of findings and a treatment plan will be discussed with the patient at the follow-up visit. At this time recommendations for the number and frequency of treatments will be discussed. Acute health issues will respond more quickly to treatment, whereas chronic conditions usually take more time.
