Your First Visit
When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment you will be asked to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.
After reviewing your intake form, we will discuss your condition, and your pulse and tongue will be examined, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine. The acupuncture points chosen will depend on your condition, but you can expect approximately 20 needles. Once the needles are inserted, you are left to lie comfortably for 15-20 minutes with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.
At the end of the treatment, adjunctive therapies may be used, such as gua sha, cupping, or tui na.
