Your First Visit
Your first visit to the clinic will generally be one hour long. After filling out the necessary paperwork, the practitioner will ask you about your chief complaint and then ask you specific questions pertaining to each bodily system. These questions are often quite detailed. After this initial intake is complete, the practitioner will look at your tongue, take your pulse and make a Chinese medical diagnosis. Based on this diagnosis, your practitioner will then choose the appropriate Chinese medical modalities to treat your condition. These modalities might include: acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tuina, cupping or moxibustion. Acupuncture is almost always administered in a treatment.It is important that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your treatments. It is often convenient to bring a pair of shorts and a short-sleeved shirt so that most acupuncture points can be easily reached. Gowns also are provided in our clinic for each patient. Also be sure to eat something before coming for your appointment.
If you receive acupuncture during your treatment, the needles will generally be left in for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your condition. After the needles are removed, patients generally report feeling relaxed and calm. If any excessive sleepiness is felt after the treatment, you should sit in the waiting room for a few minutes before driving.
If your practitioner prescribes a Chinese herbal formula for you, she will ask you if you would like to take it in bulk form or pill form. Taking raw herbs in bulk form involves simmering the raw herbs in water for a specified amount of time and then drinking the tea that results. This is the strongest form of herbal medicine. Pill medicines are often more convenient, though weaker in their effect. Regardless which form you choose to take, your practitioner will give you a detailed herb sheet regarding how to cook the herbs and the appropriate dosage you should take. Download New Patient Forms
