Typically, the first acupuncture visit involves a comprehensive health history assessment. You will bring in your consultation form you were emailed, or feel free to download it from the webpage. Questions we might ask may seem strange, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine we need to look at the entire system, including the emotions, to diagnose what the root imbalances are in the system. For example, we may ask to examine your tongue, feel your pulse to help determine energy flow, or ask many questions related to bowel habits and diet, even if these seem to have nothing to do with the primary complaint.
After the initial acupuncture consultation and assessment, we will start the treatment. At AcuCare, we believe that education is imperative to the success of the treatment, thus we will explain why we are putting Acupuncture needles where, and why. It is common to experience a deep ache for a short time in some of the points. The depth to which the acupuncture needles are inserted varies according to the treatment and the individual. The pins are usually left in place for five to 20 minutes, usually no longer than 40 minutes, and then removed.
Following an acupuncture treatment, we will usually reassess how you are feeling, and often give suggestions for home care. Acute symptoms may require only two to four treatments; whereas for chronic cases, it is common to have as many as 12 or more treatments, usually over a course of eight to 10 weeks. Regular monthly visits are suggested as preventive measures to decrease stress, improve energy or boost immunity.