What to expect during your first treatment.

​Your first treatment typically lasts a hour and a half.  A consent form and initial intake form are filled out and signed after which a relaxed interview process is conducted, allowing the patient to discuss in depth, their health concerns.  The acupuncturist asks questions, palpates the body, examines the tongue and takes the pulse of the patient to gain further diagnostic information. 

Acupuncture points are selected and treatment given, which usually involves 5-35 needles.  Acupuncture needles are relatively painless and treatment with needles lasts 40 to 50 minutes.  Everyone responds differently to acupuncture but many patients get results after a treatment or two.  Chronic conditions require a longer series of treatments and a treatment plan is discussed at the end of the visit.  Besides acupuncture needles, a number of other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments may also be used such as cupping, Tuina massage, moxibustion, Gua Sha, as well as advice on lifestyle and dietary choices.   Chinese Patent Herbal Formulas or Western Herbal Tinctures may be suggested to take home. Stretching or Heat therapy might also be suggested.