Visit Guidelines
Please observe the following guidelines when receiving an acupuncture treatment at our clinic:
Eat & Drink Prior to Visit
It is very important to have nourishment in your system during an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture utilizes your body's energy much like an exercise session would; if your blood sugar is low, you will not respond as quickly to the acupuncture treatments. Please ask for a snack if you need one.
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During & After Treatment
What to expect during the treatment:
When you arrive for your initial appointment, the first thing on the agenda is new patient paperwork. This packet includes the usual items: our vitae, privacy policy, background info on your health, any medications or supplements you may take, pertinent family medical history, etc. Sometimes patients request having this packet emailed to them so they can fill it out before they arrive, or they come 10 to 15 minutes early to their appointment and fill it out in the office. Either option is fine. ​ After that, the acupuncturist will take you back to your room and go over the information you've provided. A preliminary diagnosis may take place at this time, and you are always encouraged to ask questions as they arise. We know that for some individuals, the Oriental medical approach can be hard to grasp because of its difference from conventional medicine. This section of the appointment can take 10-30 minutes. As part of the diagnostic process, the acupuncturist will take a detailed pulse evaluation as well as check the patient's tongue. The tongue shows the intimate state of the body's internal health. Pulse diagnosis is an intricate measure of the functions of the Qi and meridians.
How long are the treatments?
Treatment generally lasts 45-60 minutes, although times can vary greatly depending on the patient and her/his needs. Typically the acupuncturist needs access to the arms, legs, and back. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing to your treatments, but we provide covers upon request.
What to do after your treatment:
After your treatment you should be sure to drink plenty of water and healthful food. Acupuncture moves the energy within your body, so whether it feels at first like much has happened or not, the fact is that your body has done a lot of work during treatment and needs proper nourishment afterwards. Some individuals are energized by acupuncture, whereas others are relaxed. The most important thing to do is listen to your body, and do what feels right.