During the initial visit, information about your medical and family history, life situation, likes and dislikes, as well as information from a physical examination and pulse diagnosis are gathered. This is when your concerns are heard and understood in the context of your particular life situation. Acupuncture does not separate the mind and body, and looks at everything about a person, including lifestyle and stresses as well as symptoms. From the first visit information, we determine the underlying qi imbalances influencing your well-being. This holistic evaluation is very important because even though two people may suffer the same complaint, the qi imbalance causing it is often different, reflecting the unique circumstances of each individual.
At subsequent visits, a brief update of your life situation, symptoms and bodily systems is taken. After reading your energetic pulses, a treatment is designed to clear blocks, rebalance, and rebuild energy. Although frequency of treatments varies with each person, new patients are generally seen more frequently at the beginning. As your energy begins to hold balance for longer periods, the time between treatments is gradually spaced out. In addition to treating their primary concerns, patients often report side effects such as increased energy and vitality, more restorative sleep, healthier appetite, more enjoyment of life, better handling of stressful situations, improved menstrual cycles, and an overall sense of well-being.