How many sessions will I need to get better?
Because every person is different, the number of sessions needed to experience an improvement in a particular condition varies from person to person, depending on overall health and the nature of the ailment being treated. Your acupuncturist with estimate the number of treatments you will need after your first visit consultation.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe. Acupuncture needles are sterile and disposable. Per FDA regulations, acupuncturists are required to discard all needles after a single use.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Unlike needles used for injections, acupuncture needles are hair-thin and are inserted shallowly into the body, which minimizes pain. Each person experiences acupuncture in unique ways, but there are some commonly reported sensations, such as tingling, warmth, and heaviness around the area being treated. Sometimes simply shifting or rotating the needle slightly can change the sensation being felt, so it is always a good idea to inform your acupuncturist if anything you experience feels unpleasant so that the issue can be resolved.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Your first visit will begin with a detailed discussion of your health history, which may include questions that may seem unrelated to your condition, but are vital to the holistic approach Chinese Medicine uses to diagnose and treat conditions. Then, your acupuncturist will examine your tongue and take your pulse, and taking into consideration your health history, will determine your diagnosis and treatment plan. Once this is done, the acupuncturist will insert needles in various points throughout the body, as well as use any other treatment modalities that may enhance acupuncture’s therapeutic effects, such as moxa, electrical stimulation, cupping, etc.
How long does a treatment take?
The first treatment takes more time because it includes a consultation. Please allow one and a half to two hours for your first visit. Follow-up treatments are usually 45-60 minutes.
Becoming a New Patient
Welcome to Eastern Medicine Center!
In an effort to better serve you, below is a reminder check list of things to prepare before your first visit:
• Fill out and sign all downloadable forms before your appointment.
• Please allow approximately an hour and a half for your first visit and one hour for subsequent visits.
• Bring your new patient forms with you when you come in for your first visits: all new patient forms need to be complete before your first visit. Do not hesitate to discuss any questions you might have with us.
• Wear something very comfortable and loose fitting.
How to prepare for your first visit:
◾Please come in about 20 minutes before your treatment time and fill out our initial intake forms in the waiting area.
◾Do not brush or scrape your tongue the morning of your appointment.
◾Avoid all extremes such as a big meal or vigorous exercise 4-6 hours before and 4-6 hours after your initial and all subsequent treatments.
◾Do not drink alcohol 4 hours before or 4 hours after your treatment.
◾Please bring a list of all your prescriptions and supplements along with the doses, times of day taken, and what condition(s) they address.
Welcome to Eastern Medicine Center. We look forward to serving you!
