Many patients wonder what to expect at their first acupuncture treatment. So here, we are going to give you a bit of a rundown. When you first come in, we ask you to give us a brief yet comprehensive medical history. We want to know what is really troubling you. As we ask questions that seem unrelated to the reason for your visit, you start to get the flavor of Traditional Oriental Medical diagnosis. This is a holistic approach. How might that pain in your foot be related to your pounding head, anxiety or aching belly? As we talk, seemingly unrelated symptoms come together in the understanding of a pattern of disharmony. Just like looking at a garden we study the elements, what is working, where are the weeds, bare spots or puddles.
Through discussion and diagnosis we work together to determine both the root and branch of the problem you are experiencing. We may feel your pulse or even have you stick out your tongue. These seemingly rudimentary techniques bring great insight into the aggregate of symptoms that have caused your dis-ease. It is then that we set about a course to bring your body back into balance. That initial course along the path using classic traditional Oriental medicine will likely include a prescription of acupuncture, herbs or both. During a typical acupuncture treatment, tiny, hair-thin needles are placed at specific points. Depending on the treatment, needles may be in from 15-30 minutes. Even though most people have fear around needles, most people during treatment get so comfortable that they fall asleep or relax so deeply that they feel as if they may float.
The calm yet energized state of relaxation that often permeates a treatment means that occasionally afterwards you need to rest for a while or just have a gentle meander around the block. Authentic healing is typically accompanied by a feeling of well being and comfort. As well as shifting the energy with acupuncture, herbal formulas are used to continue to bring about the balance that the body has lost. We use the highest quality herbs from Golden Flower Herbs, Mayway, People’s Herbs and Nu Herbs. We use their formulas primarily for their efficacy and also because few US companies test so extensively. Depending on the condition, we employ both raw herbs and those in pill form. Essential oils are often diffused through the rooms and formulas are blended for each patient when it is the right medicine.
Courses of treatment vary based on what happens to be going on and for how long. Your path to healing is unique. As we work together, we will use the combined expertise within our clinic and our community to design a path to getting you back to feeling balanced in your life again. Most people walk out from their first treatment as well as subsequent treatments feeling extremely well.
Everyone who is curious about acupuncture is also a bit apprehensive the first time. Almost everyone wants to know if it will hurt.
How could needles not cause pain and even create wellness?
It seems odd but it can be one of the most relaxing experiences you have ever had as your energy starts to flow properly again. At Hidden Well Acupuncture Center we use some of the smallest needles manufactured in the world. Everyone feels a little something as the needles goes in. Then there is a hum or a buzz as the energy starts to flow. Sometimes you may even feel energy pooling where there is no needle. The sensation is often described as bubbly, sparkly or even buzzy. The relaxation of acupuncture can be profound. The needles act as small antennae redirecting energy that has been either blocked or lacking. Committing to healing is a great kindness to your body that also feels very gentle. We create an environment to make it easy to do.
