What you should do on the day of your Appointment
Eat a small meal about an hour or two prior to your acupuncture appointment. This could be a snack or a fruit. Ideally you should not be very hungry or too full. Do not brush or scrape your tongue as inspection of the tongue is part of the diagnostic procedure. Do not consume caffeinated drinks or those that may change the color of the tongue prior to your appointment.
Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable. Shirts/blouses where the sleeves can easily be rolled up above the elbow are ideal. Loose pants/sweat pants where the pant leg can be adjusted just above the knee are preferable. Most acupuncture points will be placed below the elbows and knees. Some conditions may require that a gown be worn and appropriate draping used.
If you have seen a western medical doctor, bring any lab reports, x-rays, etc. with you. These items may be useful in our assessment of your condition.
What to expect during your Appointment
During your first visit, you will be required to complete a thorough set of patient information forms. Upon completion, your information will be reviewed and questions will be asked about your current condition and general health. Some questions may focus on diet, quality of sleep, bowel movement frequency, and urination. You may feel like these are unusual questions, but your answers will help to get an overall picture of your health condition.
Your blood pressure and body temperature will be measured. This will be followed by inspecting the tongue and taking Chinese pulses on both wrists. The condition of the tongue and the Chinese pulses will give us a better indication of the state of the internal organs.
What is the treatment
Once a TCM diagnosis has been reached it is explained and discussed with the patient. A treatment plan is made which will not only involve needles but may include Chinese herbs, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, and/or dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Then, the acupuncture points are prepped with alcohol and new thin acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin. These tiny thin needles are specifically designed to be virtually painless on entry. Once each needle is inserted, you may feel a slight zap or a heavy/aching feeling. This sensation is described as the arrival of qi. Within a few minutes you should feel quite relaxed. Some patients actually fall asleep during this time.
What to do after the treatment
Most people experience a sense of relaxation or tiredness after a treatment. To assist the treatment it is advisable that you allow your body to rest, ensure that you drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol for that day.
How many treatments will be required for my condition
What should I know about herb(s), formulas, creams, etc.
Statements regarding the efficacy of herbs (single or formula), creams , etc. have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Eat a small meal about an hour or two prior to your acupuncture appointment. This could be a snack or a fruit. Ideally you should not be very hungry or too full. Do not brush or scrape your tongue as inspection of the tongue is part of the diagnostic procedure. Do not consume caffeinated drinks or those that may change the color of the tongue prior to your appointment.
Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable. Shirts/blouses where the sleeves can easily be rolled up above the elbow are ideal. Loose pants/sweat pants where the pant leg can be adjusted just above the knee are preferable. Most acupuncture points will be placed below the elbows and knees. Some conditions may require that a gown be worn and appropriate draping used.
If you have seen a western medical doctor, bring any lab reports, x-rays, etc. with you. These items may be useful in our assessment of your condition.
What to expect during your Appointment
During your first visit, you will be required to complete a thorough set of patient information forms. Upon completion, your information will be reviewed and questions will be asked about your current condition and general health. Some questions may focus on diet, quality of sleep, bowel movement frequency, and urination. You may feel like these are unusual questions, but your answers will help to get an overall picture of your health condition.
Your blood pressure and body temperature will be measured. This will be followed by inspecting the tongue and taking Chinese pulses on both wrists. The condition of the tongue and the Chinese pulses will give us a better indication of the state of the internal organs.
What is the treatment
Once a TCM diagnosis has been reached it is explained and discussed with the patient. A treatment plan is made which will not only involve needles but may include Chinese herbs, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, and/or dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Then, the acupuncture points are prepped with alcohol and new thin acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin. These tiny thin needles are specifically designed to be virtually painless on entry. Once each needle is inserted, you may feel a slight zap or a heavy/aching feeling. This sensation is described as the arrival of qi. Within a few minutes you should feel quite relaxed. Some patients actually fall asleep during this time.
What to do after the treatment
Most people experience a sense of relaxation or tiredness after a treatment. To assist the treatment it is advisable that you allow your body to rest, ensure that you drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol for that day.
How many treatments will be required for my condition
What should I know about herb(s), formulas, creams, etc.
Statements regarding the efficacy of herbs (single or formula), creams , etc. have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.