Many people want to know what to expect at their first appointment. In many ways it is similar to any doctors appointment. There will be paperwork to fill out. You may notice a difference in the kinds of questions you are asked in your medical history. For example, I want to know if you have any particular taste in your mouth or if you prefer hot or cold drinks. As we go over your main complaint and your medical history there may be more questions that seem strange to you. These questions help to give me a better overall picture of your health.
When that is done I will feel your pulses on both wrists and take a look at your tongue. Pulse and tongue diagnosis is very important in Chinese medicine. The information we get from these diagnostics gives us a better understanding of what is going on internally. For example, a patient may come in complaining from back pain but by using the pulses and tongue I would also be able to tell that they are having digestive problems.
Once I have all of this information I will be ready to make a diagnosis and to come up with a treatment plan. At this point you will get on my table. Depending on the area I will be working on, you will either only need to take your shoes and socks off and roll up your pants and sleeves if you are face up or you will need to remove your shirt or be given a gown if you are going to be face down on the table.
When you are positioned comfortably on the table, I will swab all the points that I will use with alcohol first. This insures the needled area is clean. The needles are inserted using a clean plastic guide tube. I use sterile, solid, stainless steel, single use needles that get put directly in a sharps container once they come out of you. Once the needles are in you will relax on the table while you listen to soothing music. Many patients fall asleep. The time the needles remain in you can vary. Typically they are retained for 25-45 minutes depending on your condition.
After the needles are out you are free to get dressed. At this time you may be given herbs or we will discuss any possible lifestyle or dietary changes that would benefit your health. After your treatment it is important to stay hydrated and to avoid heavy exercise for 2-3 hours.
