What happens during treatment?

During the initial visit, information about your medical and family history, life situation, likes and dislikes, as well as information from a brief physical examination and pulse diagnosis are gathered. This is a time for your concerns to be 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 this visit, your acupuncturist determines the underlying energetic imbalances influencing your well-being. This holistic evaluation is very important because even though two people may suffer the same complaint, the energetic 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, re-balance and build energy. Initially you will be seen weekly. After about 6 weeks, as your energy begins to hold balance for longer periods, the time between treatments is spaced out to every other week, then every three weeks, then monthly. Ultimately, to

maintain well-being, check-ups at the change of seasons provides an opportunity to correct minor imbalances. Frequency of treatment varies with each person. In addition to treating their primary concerns, people often report side benefits such as increased energy and vitality, more restorative sleep, healthier appetite, more enjoyment of life, better handling of stressful situations, improved menstrual cycles, an overall sense of well-being, and other improvements.