Treatment
The first treatment is comprised of approximately 45 minutes consultation and roughly 20-40 minutes treatment time. We ask patients to plan on 90 minutes for the first visit. The consultation includes discussion of the main complaint, as well as overall health history. Herbs are typically prescribed and are prepared while the client is being treated. Follow-up visits are about an hour and also consist of consultation and treatment time.
After discussing the client's main concern, the client is asked to lay down on the treatment table. Several diagnostic methods are then used, including: tongue assessment ("please stick out your tongue"), pulse (felt at both wrists), and abdomen (assessed for areas of tightness or tenderness and temperature).
The acupuncture treatment is then given. Thin, solid, sterilized needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points. Needles are about the diameter of 2 human hairs and each one is used only once. The location of each point used is carefully selected, based on your body’s signs and symptoms. Needles are disposed of in a sharps container after use.
Insertion of the needles goes unnoticed by some, while others feel a pinch followed by tingling, ache, or numbness. Needles remain in place for 10 - 30 minutes. It is normal feel deeply relaxed or to feel rejuvenated after a treatment.
Conditions Treated
The World Health Organization recognizes Acupuncture's ability to treat the following conditions:
- Genito-urinary and reproductive - impotence, infertility, PMS, vaginitis, irregular periods, cramps, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, morning sickness
- Infections - colds and flu, bronchitis, hepatitis
- Internal - hypoglycemia, asthma, high blood pressure, colitis, indigestion, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, constipation, diabetes
- Eye, ears, nose, throat - deafness, ear ringing (tinnitis), poor eyesight, dizziness, sinus infection, sore throat, hay fever
- Dermatological - eczema, acne
- Musculo-skeletal and neurologic - arthritis, sciatica, back pain, bursitis, Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, headache, stroke, polio
- Mental-emotional - anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia
