What To Expect During Treatment

A thorough examination and health history are taken. An individual diagnosis will determine the selection of acupuncture points, physical modalities and herbal prescriptions.  Much of the health concerns are portrayed verbally, while equally important are the palpation of the wrist pulses and the observation of the tongue for further diagnostic information.
The insertion of the needles is usually free of pain. The retention time of the needles depends upon the treatment principle. The patient often feels deeply relaxed and may fall asleep.  There are often sensations of Qi, pronounced “chee,” which loosely translates as energy, moving through the body. People sometimes experience this as a warm, tingly sensation, or a feeling of heaviness.

The initial consultation and treatment takes approximately two hours. Sequential visits thereafter last about one hour.  It is advisable to come into a treatment neither too hungry, nor too full.




Number and Frequency of Treatments

The number and frequency of treatments varies according to the the patient’s needs. Generally, acute conditions appear rapidly and are usually successfully treated in short course. Chronic complaints are often more rooted in the body and therefore require more persistence and continual treatments.

Each individual is unique. Some people will experience relief after one treatment, while others may need regular treatment over a period of several weeks. Of great significance is the fact that one does not have to have a problem or a complaint to benefit from acupuncture. One of the chief principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine is prevention. The findings in the tongue and pulse diagnosis can detect an area of imbalance before the imbalance has progressed into a state of disease. The subtle imbalance can be immediately checked and moderated. By receiving acupuncture regularly, even seasonally, a person can boost one’s immunity, experience stress reduction, and cultivate inner peace.

Sally Robinson: Acupuncturist & Herbalist. 828 545 2288