1. A holistic approach: Traditional Chinese Medicine works by investigating the whole body, not just the presenting symptom(s). To better understand why you are having the symptoms you are experiencing, we will consider possible underlying causes from both western and eastern medical traditions. Your practitioner will ask you a series of seemingly unrelated questions ranging from your sleep, digestion, your energy levels to your aches and pains. All of this information helps paint a holistic picture of you in order to create the most beneficial treatment plan. Please plan to eat a light snack before your treatment and wear comfortable and loose clothing. 23659491_1957074811211928_7952711098908873136_n

  2. Taking pulses and observing your tongue: Both the pulse and the tongue are diagnostic tools used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The pulses correspond to organ energies and offer information regarding your body. The tongue is a microcosmic map of your internal organs and also provides the practitioner with diagnostic clues. If possible, please avoid brushing your tongue or eat colored foods (e.g. lollipops!) on your appointment days.

  3. The treatment: After an intake, your practitioner will create a treatment plan for you. You’ll be asked to lie face up or down on a treatment table. Six to twelve single-use, sterilized needles will be placed in your body for 20-30 minutes. If appropriate, other modalities will be added to your treatment before or after acupuncture (e.g. cupping, electro-stimulation, moxa, etc.).

  4. Reactions to the treatment: Everyone’s experience to acupuncture can be different. It is not uncommon to feel a dull ache, heavy sensation, or energy flowing throughout your body. It is also possible to experience emotional releases during the treatment. Falling asleep or entering a semi-dream state are also common. All of these reactions are perfectly normal.  If you feel any discomfort, especially a sharp pain or light-headed, please let your practitioner know immediately. 57e5609645e9644e6b76fbe91b603836

  5. After the treatment:  Acupuncture can be incredibly relaxing, leaving you feeling a bit spacey afterwards. You should take your time easing back into your day and continue to drink plenty of water (both before and after treatments). You are likely to feel the treatment for several days as your body rebalances itself. In most cases, this is a pleasant readjustment, however, it is not uncommon to feel worse before you feel better. If you are uncomfortable in the days following your treatment, please do not hesitate to call your practitioner.  A welcomed side-effect from acupuncture that patients often report is feeling better in areas that weren’t specifically addressed in your treatment. For example, the migraine you were treated for might disappear, and you may notice you slept better than you have in weeks, or that your digestion has improved. This is common because the treatments are rebalancing your whole body.

  6. Follow Up Care: Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic medicine that takes into account your nutrition, your exercise, and meditation or other self-care practices. Your practitioner might suggest nutritional and dietary supplements or meditation exercises. Finally, the number of acupuncture treatments will depend on how chronic or acute your case may be and how quickly your body reacts to your treatments. In most cases, patients tend to see results after three or four treatments with occasional monthly “maintenance” treatments. It is difficult, however, to predict just how many treatments you may need at first. We do offer “bundle” packages that can help make treatments more convenient and affordable.