What happens at my first visit?

The initial visit includes a full medical history and examination. Upon arrival to the office, you will be asked to fill out paperwork relating to your health. After the paperwork, you will be taken to a consultation room where the Acupuncturist will ask more detailed questions about your health history and your current complaint.

In addition to asking questions, the Acupuncturist will perform an examination. The purposes of the examination are to determine the nature and extent of the problem and to find out if your condition can be helped by the therapies provided here at Wellness and Acupuncture. We only accept those cases we truly feel that we can help, so this determination is extremely important. After the exam, we will recommend a treatment plan to you. The frequency and duration of treatments will depend on your main complaint, your overall health condition, and what you would like to gain from care.

Does my medical insurance cover treatments?

An increasing number of insurance providers cover all or part of the cost of our treatments, but these providers may have restrictions on the types of illnesses they cover. We will check with your insurance company to see what your policy offers and communicate the information we get with you.

How long does an acupuncture visit take?

Your first treatment is approximately 1.5 hours and involves an initial examination in which a diagnosis is made and we determine which treatments are right for you. After the initial examination, we generally move right into a first treatment during the same visit. Follow-up visits consist of a much shorter intake/diagnosis period before treatment, and generally last for 1 hour.

How do you use Traditional Chinese Medicine to diagnose my health problem?

We will ask a variety of questions regarding your specific complaints and general health.  We will use diagnostic methods including radial pulse reading and tongue diagnosis.  The initial consultation includes a standard health history not unlike at a medical doctor’s office.  You will need to fill out a few forms that we provide you.  If you wish, you may download the forms and fill them out at home before you come in.

Do the Acupuncture needles hurt?

Most people are surprised and relieved to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin—unlike hypodermic needles which are thick and hollow.  Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles and often the insertion is barely perceptible.  The needles are usually inserted only several millimeters in depth—also very unlike hypodermic injections. As such, patients generally do not feel the painful piercing or pricking sensation typically associated with an injection, blood sample, or other medical needle procedure. After each needle is inserted, you may feel nothing, or sometimes a vague numbness, heaviness, or slight tingling. We only use disposable needles. 

What does the Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine treatment involve?

During acupuncture, full attention will be given to help you relax and receive the most value from the treatment.  After each needle is inserted, you may feel nothing, or sometimes a vague numbness, heaviness, or slight tingling.  However, the treatment is effective whether these feelings are sensed or not.  The needles will be left in for 20-45 minutes while you relax with soothing music in a warm room.  After the treatment, you may experience a relaxing euphoric feeling.

How should I prepare for my Acupuncture treatment?

Patients should eat before coming for an acupuncture treatment and should wear comfortable clothes.  You should be prepared to refrain from rigorous exercise for at least two hours before and after treatment.

Do you use clean needles?

Absolutely.  We use disposable needles which are used one time and then discarded. 

More questions?

Please call us 954-675-5189, or email.