What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
- Intake/diagnosis
In the first session, a thorough medical history is taken, in order to assess the nature of your disharmony. Observation, asking, listening, and touch (most commonly taking the pulse) are central to obtaining a diagnosis.
- Treatment
Generally 4 to 15 hair-thin sterile needles are quickly inserted just below skin level. Patients are often surprised that they do not feel pain and generally have a feeling of well being after the needles have been placed. Occasionally there can be a sharp or dull ache, but this feeling quickly subsides. The needles are retained for 10-30 minutes. For some conditions, herbal medication or massage is recommended.
- Follow up
A follow up phone call will be scheduled and if another treatment is needed, the next appointment will include a discussion of the future treatment plan and expected results.