WHAT TO EXPECT
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine take a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. This means your acupuncturist will take into account your whole self, not just your symptoms, in order to get to the root of your health concerns. You will work together to find out how factors like your lifestyle and emotional and mental well-being may be affecting your health.
Getting the chance to really discuss your health concerns with your care provider, and having your provider really listen, may be new to you. Think of it as your opportunity to form a partnership for better health. The more you take part in your healing process, the more successful it will be.
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced "chee"), the vital energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.
Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are fourteen main meridians inside the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands. Qi provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.
When Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person's health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands. When this disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.
Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.
Initial visits generally last from thirty to ninety minutes. Your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history, perform a physical exam, and provide you with your unique treatment plan.
During your first exam, your acupuncturist will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, exercise, sleep habits, emotional states and anything that may offer insight into your health. Your acupuncturist will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine such as tongue and pulse diagnosis.
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