Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine treatments may be vastly different from what you typically experience at a visit with you doctor and most new patients have questions about what it will be like.

Here is what you can expect:

YOUR FIRST ACUPUNCTURE VISIT

Upon entering the clinic you will be warmly greeted by a caring, healing atmosphere. To save time at your first visit you can download the New Patient forms from this website and fill them out prior to your first visit . Once the administrative paperwork is completed you will then be taken back to your private treatment room.

During your first visit I will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, lifestyle (eating, sleeping, exercise), emotional state, other body functions and anything else that might offer clues to your well being. I will take a detailed medical history and perform several Chinese medical diagnostic techniques (Tongue and Pulse readings). This information will be used to create a comprehensive diagnosis of the specific imbalances or blockages of qi that are creating your health problems. I will then explain your underlying imbalances, how they are affecting your health and what choices you have in treating these concerns. It is my intent to give you enough information for you to choose the treatment that is right for you. So please, bring in your questions and concerns. I am more than happy to address them.

BEGINNING ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Once a treatment plan has been decided upon, the treatment will begin. Sterile, disposable needles are placed on specific acupuncture points along meridians, focusing on points that relate to certain organs, imbalances and symptoms. The needle, which is about the size of a cat’s whisker, when inserted may create a wide range of sensation from nothing to any of the following: a warming sensation, dull or tingling sensation, vague numbness, heavy or radiating sensation. Sometimes you might experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. All these sensations are a sign that the treatment is working and are considered good. Once the needles are in place, you will lay comfortably for 20-30minutes. Many people feel such a deep sense of relaxation that they fall asleep during the treatment.

I may also recommend other Chinese medicine adjunct modalities in addition to acupuncture. These include cupping, moxa (a heat therapy), Gua Sha (Spoon Massage) and others. I will fully explain each modality, its purpose and why I am using it. Chinese herbs, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle education are also important parts of Chinese Medicine and I may make recommendations that will benefit your health and the treatment.

HOW LONG DOES ACUPUNCTURE TAKE

Healing can take time and dedication. Depending on your current situation and health, you may experience relief immediately following a treatment, or you may need several treatments over the course of weeks or months to achieve the results you want. I will tell you what you can expect and work with you along the way to be sure you are achieving your desired goals.