What To Expect
Most people go to a practitioner of Chinese Medicine because they’re interested in getting acupuncture. Acupuncture is only one part of Chinese Medicine, the others being massage, diet and herbal medicine, but it’s the one that people are usually the most unfamiliar with. Here’s what a common acupuncture treatment is like.
A session usually consists of a two-way discussion of issues and expectations, sometimes brief physical tests, and traditional methods of diagnosis — examination of the tongue and feeling the pulse. From these findings we can work together to determine what course of treatment to take. You’ll then make yourself at ease on the table, while I put in your needles. After that, all you need to do is relax in a quiet, dimly lit room. The acupuncture treatment itself lasts anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes. Be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing for your session.
The needles I use are ultra-fine stainless steel, factory sterilized and single-use only. The sensation of acupuncture needles has been described as being tingly, warm, heavy and distending, or electric. Some people don’t experience much sensation at all!
Most clients find that receiving acupuncture is a relaxing experience. You don’t need to do anything special, just lie back and let the needles do the work. You can even doze off if you like. After a treatment you can expect to feel calmer and more in tune with yourself and your surroundings. This feeling can even last for several days.
While acupuncture is generally safe with few or no complications, we still need to be careful if you have special needs. You may want to avoid an acupuncture treatment if you’re extremely hungry, tired, or upset. Please let me know if you’re pregnant, taking blood-thinning medications, or have a pacemaker.
Together we may also decide that herbal supplements should be part of your treatment. Herbal formulas, like acupuncture, can be individually crafted to meet your specific needs. Herbs are prescribed in a variety of forms: raw, tea pills, tablets, granules, liquid extracts, and external salves. The most common form I use is tea pills, which are easy to take and have no unpleasant taste. I do not use endangered plants or animals in the formulas I prescribe, nor will I use animal derivatives if the patient so requests.
You may want to combine an acupuncture treatment with a massage session. This is one of my specialties, and a service I’m always glad to provide. Please let me know if you want to experience both together.