What to Expect for Your First Visit | Holistic Healthcare Services, Inc.

Your Free Acupuncture Consultation

If you have chosen to start with a free Acupuncture consultation, your first visit will last approximately 30 minutes. During this time your practitioner will review your paperwork and answer any questions you may have about how Acupuncture and other Oriental Medicine therapies may benefit you.

Consultations are primarily a time for you to get your questions answered so that you can decide whether you wish to proceed with treatment. If you choose to go ahead with Acupuncture, your next visit will be an Initial Treatment.

Your Initial Oriental Medicine Treatment

An Initial Treatment will last approximately one and a half hours, regardless of whether you have had a previous consultation appointment or not. During an Initial Treatment, your practitioner will ask many detailed questions about your primary area of concern, as well as about your digestion, temperature, sleep and work habits, diet, and general stress level. The Health History Questionnaire is an important element of this review.

After this initial intake is complete, the practitioner will look at your tongue, take your pulse, and make an Oriental medical diagnosis. This initial phase of the appointment is an opportunity for the practitioner to gather the information needed to develop a treatment plan for your unique case.

In addition to this diagnosis and treatment plan phase, your Initial Treatment appointment will also include your first treatment, which may include several modalities including Acupuncture, micro-current electrical stimulation of needles, bio-magnetic stimulation of acupuncture points, and heat application.

How Should I Prepare?

Prior to your treatments, it is best to eat as normal and avoid missing a meal before treatment. Acupuncture is not recommended during a fast. You can help to optimize the effectiveness of your treatment by eliminating caffeine two hours before and after a treatment as well as avoiding alcohol or other intoxicants on the day of treatment.

What Should I Wear?

Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows access up to the knees and elbows. The most commonly used acupuncture points are located between the elbows and hands and the knees to the feet. Gowns are available for patients who are having treatment on their back.

How Will I Feel After My Treatment?

Patients generally report feeling relaxed and calm following their treatments. It is not unusual to fall asleep during the treatment and it may take a few minutes to fully awaken. If any excessive sleepiness is felt, you should sit in the waiting room for a few minutes before driving. In some cases, the patient may feel increased soreness for 24 – 48 hours following treatment. This is due to lactic acid release in the muscles. If possible, take it easy for the remainder of the day. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous work or exercise, and in general, be good to yourself. If needed, you can take a mild over the counter pain reliever.

Will My Practitioner Prescribe Herbs?

Your treatment may also include oriental herbal preparations or nutritional supplements. All of our oriental herb preparations are in pill or liquid form. Your practitioner will explain any herbal formula you may receive, as well as any anticipated interactions with medications you may already be taking.

Please note: You should never discontinue doctor-prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.

Please be sure to advise your practitioner if you are vegan or vegetarian, and if you have any food/medication/environmental allergies or sensitivities.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

This depends entirely on the nature of the condition that is being treated, how your body responds to acupuncture, as well as the severity and the chronic nature of the condition. In general, acute conditions with recent onset will require fewer treatments than chronic, long standing conditions. Your practitioner will discuss a treatment plan with you during your first several visits, once he or she has a sense of how your body is responding to the treatments. Most conditions show some improvement within the first 8 – 12 treatments. A series of follow-up treatments, with gradually increasing time between treatments, are usually needed to maintain and further improve a condition.