Initial visits generally last from 90-100 minutes. Your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history, perform a physical exam, and provide you with your unique treatment plan.
During your first exam, your acupuncturist will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, metabolism, sleep habits, emotional states and anything that may offer insight into your pattern.
For the best treatment results, keep a few things in mind:
- Please show up on time
- Don’t eat a large meal right before your visit, nor should you come in a fasting state from the day before
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your acupuncturist
- Refrain from overexertion, drugs or alcohol for at least 12 hours after treatment. Sexual activity or exercise are fine on the same day before your session, but should be avoided afterwards until the next day.
How treatment works
Fine, sterile needles are inserted to stimulate “qi,” or nitric oxide accumulations along organ channels and neurological pathways, after which you’ll have the opportunity to relax and possibly take a nap while the acupuncture does its work.
Your acupuncturist may include other related therapies in your treatment, such as cupping, gua sha or moxibustion, as deemed necessary. Herbal medicine may or may not be recommended, is often encouraged but always optional, and always explained in detail.
For short-term ailments, some people might feel improvement very quickly, but a standard course of treatment for chronic conditions is once a week for 3-4 months, as 120 days comprises the life cycle of a red blood cell, a most logical interim for physiological transformation.
I understand this is still very foreign and scary for some people, so again, please don’t hesitate with questions. Your trust is appreciated.
