When a new patient visits the clinic for an initial consultation and acupuncture treatment they should plan on spending about 90 minutes. Follow-up visits require only 60 minutes. During the initial consult important details are gathered on the patient’s health concern and medical history. Acupuncture, a more than 3,000 year old traditional medicine, has been introduce to Europeans more than 300 years ago but is still in it’s infancy here in the USA with just over 30 years of therapeutic history. Most people aren’t aware of the health benefits therefore this first visit can be very informative and the patient is encouraged to asked questions.

A Patient History Form is required to be completed for the initial visit. A Patient History Form details a patient’s medical history and can be filled out prior to the initial visit at the patient’s convenience. In a private, comfortable setting, specific and general questions are asked to develop a diagnosis. These questions explore topics such as sleep, diet, digestion, muscular-skeletal problems, energy level, mental-emotional issues, stress level and more to identify health imbalances. Additional diagnostic methods include pulse taking and a visual inspection of the tongue. These methods help reveal the internal condition of the body and add detail to the diagnosis. Acupuncture is ‘pattern discrimination based’ instead of ‘disease based’. In other words, two patients with the same disease will not receive the same treatment. The treatment plan is tailored to each person as an individual with a unique pattern of signs and symptoms.

The diagnosis is thoroughly explained and with the patient’s consent the treatment begins. Loose fitting clothes make the treatment more comfortable. The patient is positioned on the treatment table with pillows and blankets to provide a comfortable experience. The areas typically treated include the arms and legs below the elbows and knees and along the abdomen or back. Soft music is often used to promote relaxation. Warm pouches or a heat lamp are often used to relax and rejuvenate the body. The needles are gently inserted and retained for about 20 minutes before being carefully removed. Patients often report a deep feeling of relaxation during or after treatment. Acupuncture needles are much smaller than hypodermic needles and are relatively painless. These single-use needles are regulated by the FDA and are completely sterilized.

The treatment session ends with a short, complementary medical massage and a follow up appointment is scheduled if needed. The number of visits to benefit a health imbalance depends on the condition. Generally chronic conditions require multiple sessions. Prevention is a major focus, so in addition to treating presently active health problems maintenance treatments can help the body stay in balance.

Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.Doctor of Acupuncture May, 2008