Understanding Your Health
Your acupuncturist’s goal during the first visit is to understand your unique patterns of health and disease. Similar to a medical doctor, the acupuncturist will:
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Conduct an extended interview to review your symptoms and medical history
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Explore any external factors affecting your health and well-being
What the Acupuncturist Observes
Your practitioner will make a comprehensive physical and energetic assessment, including:
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Observing your expressions, facial color, and body structure
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Inspecting the tongue’s coating, moisture, and mobility
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Listening to your breathing, speech, cough, and body odors
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Feeling the pulses on both wrists—each region reflects the state of a specific organ (heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen)
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Palpating acupuncture channels and points to detect abnormalities or blockages
Based on this full evaluation, the acupuncturist determines:
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The stage and location of the disease
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Your body’s strength and ability to resist or recover
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The best points, techniques, and additional therapies (e.g., cupping or moxibustion) to bring your system back into balance
What to Expect During Treatment
Once a diagnosis is made, you’ll lie comfortably on a padded table. Your practitioner will insert hair-thin needles into carefully selected acupuncture points.
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Needle types vary by length and width, depending on insertion depth
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You may be positioned face up, face down, or on your side
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Most patients report minimal discomfort and feel deeply relaxed—many fall asleep during the session
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Needles typically remain in place for 30–45 minutes
How Many Needles & Treatments Will You Need?
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A typical session uses between 10 and 30 needles
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The number of sessions depends on your condition—acute issues may resolve quickly, while chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, or cardiac disorders may require longer treatment plans
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Your acupuncturist will assess and recommend an appropriate plan after your initial visit