During the initial visit, information about your medical and family history, life situation, likes and dislikes, as well as information from a brief physical examination and pulse diagnosis are gathered. If you are coming in regarding an orthopedic complaint, most likely you will have several orthopedic tests done in order to figure out the cause of your symptoms.This is a time for your concerns to be heard and understood in the context of your particular life situation. Acupuncture does not separate the mind and body, and looks at everything about a person, including lifestyle and stresses as well as symptoms. From this visit, your acupuncturist determines the underlying energetic imbalances influencing your well-being. This holistic evaluation is very important because even though two people may suffer from the same complaint, the energetic imbalance causing it is often different, reflecting the unique circumstances of each individual.
After your health history is taken your acupuncturist will let you know how they’d like you to rest on the table. Once you are comfortable the treatment will begin. Your acupuncturist may use various techniques including needle insertion, therapeutic massage, cupping, gua sha and moxibustion. If you have questions at any time, please ask your acupuncturist so he/she can more fully explain the process to you. Always alert your acupuncturist of any discomfort you are experiencing.
Once the needles are in there are a variety of sensations you may experience. Very often a heaviness, pressure or dull ache is common – this is known as the de qi sensation. Other sensations might travel, tingle, melt, feel ‘alive’, etc. Acupuncture is different for every individual, and so the exact sensations you experience depend on you. Most people find the time with the needles in relaxing. It is a time to focus on your breathing, to let yourself sink into the table, or even fall asleep. Generally the needles are left in anywhere from 10 – 30 minutes depending on the condition being treated. After the needles are removed, your acupuncturist may perform some other modalities, such as massage, cupping or gua sha. Once your session is complete your acupuncturist will want to talk to you about the prognosis for your condition and a treatment plan. Please feel free to ask questions.
At subsequent visits, a brief update of your life situation, symptoms and bodily systems is taken. After reading your pulses a treatment is designed to clear blocks, re-balance and build energy. Initially, you will usually be seen weekly. After 4-6 weeks (depending on your particular condition), and a re-evaluation of your progress, as your energy begins to hold balance for longer periods, the time between treatments is spaced out to every other week, then every three weeks, then monthly.
Ultimately, to maintain well-being, ‘tune-ups’ at the change of seasons provides an opportunity to correct minor imbalances. Frequency of treat varies with each person and the condition. In addition to treating their primary concerns, people often report side benefits such as increased energy and vitality, more restorative sleep, healthier appetite, more enjoyment of life, better handling of stressful situations and an overall sense of well-being.
