For your initial consultation, the acupuncturist needs to assess your general health. You will be asked about your current symptoms and any treatment you have received so far. It is also important to gather detailed information about your medical history and that of your family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state

Initially you will be seen twice a week. After about 2 weeks, if your energy begins to hold balance for longer periods, treatments will become weekly until completion of a 10 to 12 session treatment.
Ultimately, to maintain well being, checkups at the change of seasons, provides an opportunity to correct minor imbalances. Frequency of treatment varies with each person.

Acupuncture is based on the movement of Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is the life-giving energy that circulates along channels to all organs of the body and enables them to function. Qi is what animates you, gives you vitality and shows up as the sparkle in your eyes. When the Qi in the body is abundant and flowing freely, you thrive. If your Qi is depleted or obstructed, symptoms – the body’s distress signals warning there is a problem – begin to arise. If the underlying problem is not addressed, it is very likely that sooner or later more serious illnesses or disease affecting your physical body, your mental clarity, your sense of joy in living, or your sense of purpose, will arise.

The needles used to stimulate acupuncture points are very slender, barely beyond the thickness of several human hairs. The finest quality solid stainless steel, pre-sterilized, single use, disposable needles are used.

The acupuncturist gently inserts the needle just beneath the skin’s surface. The sensation from the needle varies from person to person. You may feel nothing at all, a quick pinch or perhaps a dull ache or tingle. Most treatments involve only 5 to 10 needles.

Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat children and animals, neither of whom have preconceived beliefs about the effectiveness of acupuncture. As with any healing modality, be it western medicine or a complementary system such as acupuncture, a positive mental outlook and lifestyle can reinforce the effects of treatment, just as a negative attitude or lifestyle can hinder healing.