Common Acupuncture Questions
- How many treatments will be necessary?
- When will I notice results?
- How long is a typical series of treatments?
- What types of benefits can I expect?
Most people feel some sort of change even after just one treatment. A series of treatments is always recommended to give the body’s healing response the continued input needed to balance and maintain your Qi. Adequate movement and flow of Qi means good flow of the blood and healing is attained.
Acupuncture treatments and a therapy plan are customized to each person. Chinese medicine is a full-rounded body of medicine that treats each individual according to their presentation, constitution and patterns associated that are affecting their health. Each person is different and the number of treatments required depends on the seriousness and depth of the condition, how long it has been a problem and the overall health of the patient.
Acupuncture treatments and a therapy plan are customized to each person. Chinese medicine is a full-rounded body of medicine that treats each individual according to their presentation, constitution and patterns associated that are affecting their health. Each person is different and the number of treatments required depends on the seriousness and depth of the condition, how long it has been a problem and the overall health of the patient.
The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative. In general, you should feel some results within one to two treatments, with a larger shift for the better as you get regularly planned treatment. Some conditions take longer to resolve than others, especially those stubborn symptoms that linger in the body. Regular treatment also helps the body maintain a strong immune system, a balanced nervous system and continued management of their pre-existing conditions.
A typical acupuncture series lasts for at least ten treatments. Appointments are scheduled once or twice in the first few weeks and less frequent after there is improvement, the condition stabilizes and the optimal response has been achieved. .
Acupuncture will help you manage everyday life easier, with less energy back and aches. People sleep better sleep and operate with less strain on the nervous system, the digestive system and the immune system. Regular balancing of the body’ energy system is one way to ease the strain of everyday living and its influences on the body, the nervous system the mind and spirit. It will actually help you put energy back into the body. It aids in allowing you to work and play with family and friends at your highest potential.
Your First Visit and Treatment
Your First Appointment
Your first acupuncture appointment will require a completed comprehensive intake form, which includes questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. Be advised you may need to be rescheduled if you arrive late for your appointments. Please call the clinic right away if you will be delayed.
Initial Exam
To determine the source of the imbalance and determine your diagnosis in the traditional East Asian medicine format, acupuncturists may perform the following examinations;
- Asking - Besides asking about the details about your chief complaints, you will be asked about your subjective temperature, sweating, sleep, appetite, bowl movement, urination, emotional states, menstral cycle and more.
- Looking/listening - We will check your facial complexion, skin, posture, gait, and the tone and quality of your voice. Muscles problems. Listen to your story.
- Palpating – You will have appropriate areas of your body palpated including abdomen, neck, back and the meridians on lower arms and legs.
- Checking pulse and tongue - The radial pulse on the both arms is a strong indicator of the organs energy and functions. You may be asked to stick your tongue out to observe its color, coat and tone. Your abdomen may be palpated. Your extremities and your torso are also areas of palpation and main areas of treatment.
Everything should be comfortable, warm and relaxing. Please let us know what works for you. Treatment is an interactive process which involves finding what is working and assessing things as treatment progresses.
Common Initial Exam Questions
- What type of treatment will my provider choose?
- What other therapies may be recommended?
- How to Prepare
- Does Acupuncture Hurt?
- After Treatment
After examination, your provider will decide on a treatment plan that is customized to your particular case and perform acupuncture and other adjunctive techniques that will help to bring your systems back into balance and address your main complaint. Your condition is evaluated by diagnostics of the pulse, abdomen, meridians and your experiences and symptoms.
Adjunctive therapies may include cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, electrical acupuncture, herbal medicine. Recommendations to lifestyle, diet, and movement therapy are also in the scope of practice for an Acupuncturist. These may include Qi, Gong, Tai Chi, Sotai, meditations, rest, activity, and others.
Treatment is comfortable, warm and in a private setting. Wear comfortable clothing, if asked to undress to your comfort level or instructions to under clothing, you will be kept comfortable covered and warm.
Nothing should be painful, if so tell your provider right away. More sensation is often felt by feeling the acupuncture points than needling, but sometimes you feel a little stick, but that should not remain painful or sharp feeling. Sometimes achiness may occur while the needle rests in the body. Depth of needling is determined by what is being treated. Sometimes no insertion or very superficial is very effective, especially in painful conditions. Deeper needling is also very specific in certain types of treatments.
After treatment you should be able to function normally in a relaxed state. If there are any specific instructions your provider will inform you during your treatment.