The initial examination involves collecting a lot of information. This is done through intake forms plus many questions about health history and lifestyle. Following this, there is a physical examination. Expect to spend 1 1/2 - 2 hours for your first appointment.
Acupuncturists ask many more questions than Medical Doctors do. A person's current state of health or illness is often a continuation of earlier conditions that may or may not seem to be related.
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE FEEL LIKE?
Everyone experiences acupuncture differently. Some patients may not feel anything during the placement of the needles. Others may experience a pricking sensation which subsides quickly. Adjustments and manipulation of the needles by the practitioner can produce aching, tingling, slight twitching, dullness or numbness. Any of these reactions is an indication that the person is moving towards energy balance. Often people will feel a sense of deep relaxation and/or well-being following a treatment.
The first few treatments may last from 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Later, treatments will last from 1/2 - 1 hour. Initially, it may be necessary to come once or twice a week, until energy balance begins to return. As the balance lasts for longer periods, treatments will be spaced out further, eventually arriving at about 4 or 5 treatments per year - usually as the seasons change. The purpose of these infrequent treatments is to maintain health through maintaining balance.
Each patient is unique, and so is the treatment. Some people respond to treatment more quickly than others. The severity and length of illness can effect the rate of recovery; however some people notice marked improvement in their main complaint immediately.
Sometimes there are lifestyle habits that are interfering with the progress of healing. In these cases, the practitioner will ask the patient to make some changes to enhance healing.
ON THE DAY OF TREATMENT.
Treatment is subtle and the body continues to take it in, processing it for up to 24 hours. For this reason, the following recommendations are made for the day of treatment:
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FOLLOWING TREATMENT.
Symptoms may begin to resolve right away. However, it is not unusual for symptoms to fluctuate, sometimes becoming temporarily more severe before going away. Fatigue sometimes occurs early in treatment. If either of these occur to you, be sure to talk to your practitioner about it.