During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. The interview is critical in determining the correct diagnosis and individual treatment plan. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have. Your treatment plan may consist of a single a treatment for some acute situations, but is more likely to take place over a period of several weeks or more.  You must keep in mind that as it takes months or years to create a health disorder, it also will take some time to correct that imbalance.

Your general treatment will consist of two parts: a follow-up health interview and an acupuncture treatment.  The acupuncture treatment will consist of acupuncture with the possibility of some warming energizing herbs (called "moxa"), chinese massage (called "tuina"), cupping or gua sha, electronic stimulation, auricular (ear) therapy or Chinese herbs. Each technique will be explained in detail by your practitioner. You are always encouraged to ask questions about any treatment. Your practitioner is happy to educate you!

Unlike Western-style hypodermic needles that are hollow, acupuncture needles are extremely thin, solid, and disposable. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. The needles are designed to access the patient's "qi-energy". This creates a sensation that varies from person to person. It is often described as a heavy, distending, tingling, or electric sensation. All of these are normal reactions to acupuncture needling. The sensation may stay near the needle or travel along a pathway/channel. This is good and exactly what the acupuncturist is trying to achieve to bring about a healing state. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.