Here are a few suggestions to get the most out of your acupuncture treatment: To save time on your first visit, you can download and fill out our Health History Forms from the Forms page. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that will allow for easy access to your lower legs and arms. Have something to eat a few hours before your treatment. You don't want to be hungry or too full during acupuncture. Get plenty of rest the night before a treatment. Allow for a few extra minutes for parking, checking-in and relaxing before your session.

Treatments

Help yourself to water or tea and please visit the restroom if you need to. Out of courtesy to others and to keep you focused on your session, please silence your cell phone and any other electronic devices you have before you enter the community room.

• Most sessions are done in our community room, which means that there may be other people in the room at various stages of treatment. Please be courteous by keeping your voice low and noise to an minimum.
• Your practitioner will greet you, inquire in a quiet, private manner about your health and the status of your progress. At this point your treatment will begin and once the needles are in place, it is time for you to sit back, relax and let things happen. Many people fall asleep during their treatment - we highly encourage you to become so relaxed that you are able to as well! Please let your acupuncturist know if you are uncomfortable in any way. Regular visits usually last around an hour.

Sensations

Most people find acupuncture to be relaxing, restorative and restful. During needle insertion, there may be a short poking or needle-like sensation that will go away quickly. Occasionally a needle may need to be removed and re-inserted if this sensation lasts. Usually a dull ache, numbing, tingling or full sensation is reported. This is not only normal, but expected as it indicates that the point has activated your vital energy or Qi (pronounced "chee"). Once all of the needles have been inserted, you will probably forget they are there and become relaxed. Many people report sensations or movements of energy within their bodies. Feelings like water running under the skin, swirling movements or warm sensation are all normal.

After Your Session

After the treatment, most people have a deep sense of relaxation and stress relief. Try to avoid excess stress or exertion after a treatment. A sensation that some of the needles are still there is normal and usually goes away after a few minutes. Keep track of how you feel in the hours and days after your treatment; your feedback helps us to treat you effectively. Please feel free to raise any concerns or questions that you have with us.

Expectations

What can you expect in terms of results? This is a question that is best answered by your acupuncturist after they have done their initial evaluation and treatment with you. Everyone is different in terms of age, overall health, lifestyle, diet and the severity of their illness. This means that a potential outcome from acupuncture therapy cannot be known without taking all of these factors into effect. Here are some general guidelines:

• Acute conditions typically respond faster and it is better to treat them 2-3 times per week for a couple of weeks than treating them once a week for six weeks.
• Chronic conditions respond more slowly.
• A month of weekly or bi-weekly acupuncture therapy for every year that a condition has been going on is usually necessary for chronic conditions.
• Following the suggestions of your practitioner in terms of diet and lifestyle will speed up and improve your results.
• Most people see some degree of relief or improvement in their condition within 2-6 visits.
• Some people have miraculous results after only one treatment, while others may get no relief at all for a condition that acupuncture typically treats very well.
• The process of acupuncture therapy involves a relationship between you and the practitioner. The better your acupuncturist knows you, the more effective your sessions will be.

Remember that there is no one form of medicine or therapy that has all of the answers and that can treat or cure all diseases. Acupuncture is an effective, safe and inexpensive (at least at our clinic) form of medicine. It is only one tool in the toolbox and may not be appropriate for all conditions.