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Helpful information on what to expect when you receive an acupuncture treatment...
Preparation... 1) Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection. 2) Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex. 3) Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing stockings. 4) In order to prevent loss, do not wear jewelry. Patient evaluation by acupuncture physician... 1) Discussion of patient history. 2) Tongue and pulse diagnosis. 3) Discussion of present problems, present diet and any medications or supplements patient is taking. Acupuncture treatment... 1) 20-40 minute acupuncture treatment based on information received from patient. 2) Treatment may consist of a combination of therapies in addition to needle insertion such as: cupping, electrostimulation, moxibustion (heat treatment). 3) Acupuncturist inserts needles and implements any other therapies while laying on your front or back. It is common to treat one side of your body, then the other. 4) Acupuncturist will leave the room while you relax for about 15-30 minutes (on either side). 5) After needles are removed your practitioner may recommend nutritional supplements and diet considerations. Most supplements are traditional Chinese herbal formulas in pill form. 6) Depending on your ailment, you may schedule follow-up treatments During treatment... 1) RELAX. This cannot be overemphasized. There is no need to be frightened. 2) Do not change your position or move suddenly. 3) If you experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment this is known as needle shock. Immediately inform your practitioner and they will withdraw the needles. Needle shock is primarily due to anxiety in first-time patients. It rarely happens if the patient is treated lying down. 4) Feel free to let your practitioner know of any pain or burning sensations experienced during acupuncture or moxibustion. If you find acupuncture or electro-acupuncture unbearable at any point during treatment, be sure to speak up so the proper adjustments can be made. After treatment... 1) Take it easy for the rest of the day. It is recommended not to engage in strenuous activity, such as working out or sex. Avoid stressful situations. Some acupuncturists even say you should avoid taking a shower the same day. 2) You may experience an immediate or total or partial relief of pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some of the pain may return. In a few cases, the pain may seem even worse. This is called the rebound effect. By the next day, the pain can be expected to gradually improve. Often the most dramatic results are experienced in the first treatment. However one should see further incremental improvement after each subsequent treatment. |
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