The first acupuncture session lasts 1.25 to 1.5 hours; follow up sessions are 1 hour in length. The first session is longer, to allow for one-on-one time with the practitioner to determine the root causes and patterns of the symptoms and complaints you are experiencing, and to develop a treatment plan. You will be asked a variety of questions about your symptoms and lifestyle, and check your tongue and pulse. You may wonder why some of these questions are being asked, when they may seem irrelevant to your symptoms, but Chinese medicine looks for patterns, and how you answer these other questions helps to determine the best treatment approach.
The number of sessions required to address a particular complaint depends in part on how long the symptoms have been present. In general, the longer they have been present, the more time it takes to see results. You should try a minimum of three sessions and ideally 6 to 8 sessions, before determining whether you think acupuncture will work for you.
To prepare for a session, eat a little something before you come. Having a session on an empty stomach may cause lightheadedness or needle sensitivity in some people. At the same time, eating a heavy meal will also affect the treatment. Refrain from over-exercising, alcohol or drug use the day of your treatment (before and after the session).
Wear clothing that is comfortable. You will generally be lying on your back, stomach, or side for the treatment. Depending on where needles are placed, you may not need to disrobe at all, or only minimally. If there is a need to access areas that are more sensitive, such as the belly, a sheet or towels will be provided to maintain your privacy.
Generally 8-14 needles are used in a session; sometimes the number used is less, sometimes more. Needles remain in place generally from 20-45 minutes. There are times when they will be in a shorter or longer amount of time, depending on the nature of the symptoms and your general health condition. All needles are sterile and only used once; after the session, they are disposed of in a sharps container.
If herbs are recommended or you are offered dietary or qi gong information, this will take place at the end of the session. Herbs are an additional charge over the cost of the session.
After a session, you may feel energized or you might feel the need to rest for awhile. Follow what your body is asking you to do around this.
Know that you are entering into a healing ‘partnership’ with your practitioner. The benefits of this work increase from your active participation, such as looking at making lifestyle changes, increased attention to following what your body is asking for in terms of its dietary and exercise needs, and following the recommendations of the practitioner.
