What happens when I come for a treatment?
For your initial visit the physician allows enough time to gather information on:
- Your symptoms,
- The history and treatment to date;
- Your medical and family history;
-
The behaviour of your various systems, (For example, how you sleep,)
-
Whether your digestion is good;
- Your physical condition,
(For example,
distribution of body heat or the condition of your skin.)
Generally you will come weekly to begin
with and then, as you improve, less frequently. The speed of improvement varies more
according to the person rather than the label of the complaint. Some people are much
improved after their first visit; others require more extensive treatment.
Does it hurt?
Some people would like to try acupuncture, but may not because they assume it will be painful.
The needles we use are solid and much finer than those used for injections or withdrawing blood.
In most cases only a slight
prick is felt when the needle goes through the skin.
When the needle reaches the acupuncture point there is another sensation often
described as a dull ache. The sensation felt is generally acceptable and lasts only
1 or 2 seconds.
What about my allopathic physician?
If you have been seeing your doctor, you may want to tell him or her that
you are coming for acupuncture. Acupuncturists prefer that you do. For example,
if you are on medication (other than drugs that cannot be replaced), then we
would hope to reduce or eliminate your drug intake and your doctor may need to be
involved in any change of medication.
What about needle sterilization?
All acupuncture physicians are bound by a Code of Practice and all needles are disposable.
These standards were
formulated with the guidance of the Department
of Health's Public Laboratory Service and provide
complete safety against all forms of infectious
diseases. |
