Your acupuncture first visit will take about 75 minutes. We recommend you eat a light snack before coming in. Wear loose fitting clothes if possible, otherwise a gown/blanket can be provided for draping to allow access to your legs and abdomen.
Your acupuncturist will conduct a thorough intake, asking you questions specific to your chief complaint as well as covering all the major body systems. She will look at your tongue and feel your pulse, the major diagnostic tools of Chinese medicine, in order to determine your diagnosis. Your acupuncturist will explain the root cause of your symptoms and how acupuncture works. She will choose between 12 and 20 points for acupuncture, inserting them in rhythm with your breath. The points are retained for about 30 minutes. Your acupuncturist may incorporate accessory modalities that are appropriate for you (with your consent) such as cupping, guasha, moxibustion, topical liniments and ear seeds/magnets. Depending on your condition, your acupuncturist may also recommend a Chinese herbal formula or dietary changes.
Your acupuncturist will set a clear treatment plan for you based on the duration and severity of your ailment, as well as your age and constitution. Acute disorders may clear up after two or three sessions. Chronic diseases may require a longer course of treatment, such as one visit per week for 3-6 months.