How does acupuncture work?

How long does an acupuncture visit take?

Your first treatment is approximately 1.5 hours and involves an initial consultation in which a diagnosis is made and we determine which treatments are right for you. After the initial consultation, we generally move right into a first treatment during the same visit. Follow-up visits consist of a much shorter intake/diagnosis period before treatment, and generally last for 1 hour.

How do you diagnosis my problem with Chinese/Japanese Medicine?

I will ask a variety of questions regarding your specific complaint and general health. I will use Traditional Chinese/ Japanese diagnostic methods including radial pulse reading and tongue diagnosis. The initial consultation includes a standard health history not unlike at a medical doctor’s office. You will need to fill out a few forms that I provide you. If you wish, you may download the forms and fill them out at home before you come in. Whatever first treatment is appropriate will be done immediately following the initial consultation.

Do the Acupuncture needles hurt?

Most people are surprised and relieved to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin -- unlike hypodermic needles which are thick and hollow. Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles and often the insertion is barely perceptible. The needles are usually inserted only several millimeters in depth—also very unlike hypodermic injections. As such, patients generally do not feel the painful piercing or pricking sensation typically associated with an injection, blood sample, or other medical needle procedure. I use only disposable needles.

What does the Acupuncture or Chinese/Japanese Medicine treatment involve?

During acupuncture, full attention will be given to help you relax and receive the most value from the treatment. After the diagnosis, I will perform the root or constitutional part of the treatment only using touch needling(for more info on touch needling click here), this lasts for approximately 15-20 minutes. After the root treatment is successful, I will focus more specifically on the symptom/problem area that needs to be addressed. This can include deeper needling, moxibustion and cupping techniques. After the treatment, you may experience a relaxing euphoric feeling, and a renewal in energy and well-being

How should I prepare for my Acupuncture treatment?

Patients should eat before coming for an acupuncture treatment and should wear comfortable clothes. You should be prepared to refrain from rigorous exercise for at least two hours before and after treatment.