Your First Visit

The initial consultation including the following steps will last about one hour:

• Examination according to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Western Medicine
• Analysis of your body imbalances according to TCM and Western Medicine
• Treatment plan developed
• Suggestion for diet, exercise and stress reduction
• An acupuncture treatment 

To save you time on your first visit, you may fill out the New Patient Forms online and e-mail them to us prior to your appointment.   

As with most health practitioners, the first visit to an acupuncturist usually begins with the practitioner taking a detailed history. Since traditional Chinese medicine takes a more holistic approach to patient care than Western medicine, you may be asked questions that appear unimportant (questions about your sleep habits, your ability to tolerate heat or cold, your dietary habits, etc.) but are actually vital to the type of care you will receive.

After reviewing your history, the practitioner will begin diagnosing your ailment. Depending on your condition, you may be subjected to an examination of the tongue, as well as an examination of the pulse,­ a major diagnostic technique in traditional Chinese medicine.

Using all of the information obtained during the history and diagnosis, the practitioner will then determine the cause of your symptoms. Depending on the condition, needles will be inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. The acupuncturist may use moxa, electrical stimulation, or infrared heat therapy to enhance the acupuncture's therapeutic effect.

Depending on the seriousness of, and how long you have had your condition, your first visit may take between 60-75 minutes. It may take several visits to see significant improvement or cure your condition. As with any treatment plan, however, make sure that your questions are answered completely, and that the treatment plan seems viable and reasonable. If you don't understand a particular technique or type of treatment, make sure to ask. 

• Eat a snack or light meal prior to your appointment
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or stimulants prior to your treatment
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.  Common acupoints are located below the knees and elbows.  You will be more comfortable if your clothing can be easily rolled up to your elbows and knees.