Your First Visit: What to Expect

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is a safe, effective and drug-free medical system that can help address a wide variety of common ailments and problems.

Initial visits generally last from 60 to 90 minutes. During your first visit Jenny will spend some time getting to know you and your health concerns. She will go over your health history in detail, and gather information about your symptoms and lifestyle. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, exercise, sleep habits, emotional states and anything that may offer insight into your health. She will also do a tongue and pulse diagnosis, two diagnostic tools that are unique to Chinese medicine. Once she knows which imbalances are at play, she can create a plan to help you put things back into balance. She will explain to you what she believes is the root cause of your condition, how it can be treated, and the time line of care (or treatment plan).

After the initial intake, you will lie comfortably in one of the tranquil treatment rooms. If you are receiving acupuncture, Jenny will place the fine, sterile, disposable acupuncture needles at specific acupoints along meridian pathways to unblock the Qi (or life force) so that it can freely flow along the meridian pathways, and balance Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done, Qi can freely circulate throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony, as well as the body’s ability to heal itself—ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.

During this process while your body is at work, you will be resting for 20-30 minutes on the table. Most patients feel extremely relaxed, and many patients fall into a deep sleep.

Your treatment plan

• Your treatment plan may be comprised of several stages, including acute care, management of symptoms, and ongoing maintenance and prevention.  Jenny will explain to you how often you will need treatment so that your goals can be achieved.

Getting the most out of treatment

For the best treatment results, keep a few things in mind:

• Please show up on time
• Eat a small meal sometime before your visit
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes that can be pulled up to your knees and elbows
• Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns
• Refrain from overexertion, drugs or alcohol near treatment times
• Follow your “homework” between visits
• Keep all of your appointments according to your plan, as each visit builds upon the previous ones

How treatment works

To treat any Qi imbalances, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific acupuncture points along the meridian pathways. Jenny will concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs or meridians, based on your unique issues and symptoms.

Jenny may include other related therapies in your treatment plan, such as cupping, gua sha or moxibustion. Herbal remedies are another important aspect of acupuncture and TCM, and it is important to understand and follow the herbal directions in order to get the most benefit from these treatments.

Your role in the healing process

Your actions are a key component of your treatment plan. Focusing on your health and committing to a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take for your well-being. Together, you and Jenny can heal your imbalances and help you achieve harmony and balance.

Even after your symptoms are resolved, acupuncture and herbal medicine can assist you in maintaining your health, and possibly prevent future imbalances. The more you incorporate acupuncture and TCM into your life, the more you’ll learn to nurture your body, mind and spirit.