What to Expect During Your Treatment
Understanding what happens during your visit helps you feel more comfortable and prepared for your healing journey. Here's a step-by-step guide to your treatment experience:
Step 1
Arrival and Getting Comfortable
When you arrive at our clinic, you'll be welcomed into a peaceful, healing environment. We'll show you to a comfortable treatment room where you can relax and prepare for your session. You'll remain fully clothed for most treatments, though we may ask you to remove certain clothing items to access specific areas for treatment.
Step 2
Comprehensive Intake Consultation
Your practitioner will spend significant time asking you detailed questions about your health, lifestyle, and concerns. Don't be surprised if some questions seem unrelated to your main complaint - this is one of the unique aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine! We might ask about your sleep patterns, digestion, emotional state, menstrual cycle, temperature preferences, and even your dreams. These questions help us understand your overall constitution and identify the root patterns contributing to your symptoms. In Chinese Medicine, everything in your body is interconnected, so seemingly unrelated symptoms often provide crucial clues for creating your personalized treatment plan.
Step 3
Needle Insertion (if applicable)
If you're receiving traditional acupuncture, your practitioner will gently insert hair-thin needles into carefully selected points on your body. The needles are much finer than those used for injections, and insertion should be virtually painless. You might feel a brief sensation as the needle reaches the correct depth, but this typically resolves immediately. Most people are surprised by how comfortable the process is.
Step 4
Rest and Relaxation
Once the needles are in place, you'll rest comfortably for about 20 minutes while the acupuncture works its magic. Many people find this deeply relaxing and may even fall asleep. You'll have a call button within reach in case you experience any discomfort or need assistance, though this is rarely necessary. This quiet time is an important part of your healing process.
Step 5
Needle Removal
Your practitioner will gently and quickly remove all needles. This process is typically even more comfortable than insertion and takes just a few moments.
Step 6
Manual Therapy
Depending on your condition and treatment plan, your practitioner may perform additional manual therapies such as Tui Na massage, cupping, Gua Sha, or other techniques. These complement the acupuncture treatment and help enhance your body's healing response.
Step 7
Herbal Medicine Consultation
If appropriate for your condition, your practitioner may recommend a customized herbal formula to support your healing between treatments. They'll explain how to take the herbs and what to expect, ensuring you feel confident about incorporating them into your daily routine.