What is the best way to get started with acupuncture?

For most patients I like to begin with two treatments per week for three weeks, this gives us 6 treatments in a very short period of time. The purpose of these first 6 treatments is to establish momentum. For most conditions I like to push hard in the beginning, make some significant progress and then begin backing off the frequency of treatment as the patient improves. If this frequency of treatment isn’t possible that’s ok, acupuncture can still be helpful but frequency of treatment in the beginning will help produce relief more quickly and usually will help the patient require fewer overall treatments.

Once momentum is established and the patient has improved by 50% or more I will begin to lessen the frequency of treatment to once per week, then once every two weeks and so on until the condition is resolved. There are a small number of patients that acupuncture may not be helpful for. If after the initial six treatments the patient has not improved it may be that I am not able to help them. While I don’t like giving up, I don’t want someone paying me and not getting something for it.

New Patients

At AcuCare Clinic we strive to know your total health picture, not just what hurts today. This is why our interview covers all of your body’s systems. This helps us provide you with the best treatment possible. Please download, print and fill out all new patient forms and bring to your first visit. Your first treatment session will take up to 90 minutes. Wear loose clothing and be sure to eat something, even if it is a small amount, before your treatment.

First Appointment

Your first treatment session will take up to 90 minutes. After going over all of your new patient paperwork we will take you through a full health history intake. This intake will be very thorough and quite detailed. We will ask about all aspects of your health both current and past, often times focusing on issues that you may not have considered were related to your current ailment. At AcuCare Clinic we strive to know your total health picture, not just what hurts today. This is why our interview covers all of your body’s systems. This helps us provide you with the best possible treatment. During and after the interview you will have plenty of time to ask any questions that you may have that come up along the way so don’t hesitate to ask anything. Your comfort and confidence is paramount to us.

First Treatment

After the intake portion of the appointment, you will receive your first treatment. This will take about 30 minutes once the needles are placed. Once all needles have been inserted and we confirm you are comfortable, you will be left alone to relax quietly. It may seem a bit strange at first to relax with needles in your skin, but the overwhelming majority of patients fall into a sound sleep and wake up refreshed and feeling better when the treatment is finished.

Subsequent Treatments

Subsequent treatments will typically take about half the time of the first treatment session. They will consist of a short interview to determine how your health is progressing and to address any questions or new issues that may have arisen. Then you will receive a similar acupuncture treatment to your first session.

Preparing for your visits

Here are some things to keep in mind when coming for your first treatment that will help the process go smoother.

• Wear loose clothing and be prepared to spend two hours at the clinic the first time.
• Be sure to eat something, even if it is a small amount, before your treatment.