During the initial visit a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health, and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you typically receive an acupuncture treatment. The first visit with your acupuncturist usually lasts about ninety minutes on average. Follow-up visits typically last about an hour on average and include brief discussion of any changes since the previous treatment followed by the acupuncture treatment.

In simplest terms, acupuncture is the insertion of needles into the body, but the Chinese word for acupuncture — 针 灸 (zhen jiu) — also includes moxibustion, or the burning of Artemesia vulgaris (mugwort) at acupuncture points. While we can trace the roots of acupuncture over 2000 years ago in China, acupuncture (and Chinese Medicine in general) spread throughout the world, adopted and adapted to suit the adopting culture, resulting in many acupuncture traditions and styles.

Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.

An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points on the body. This activates the body’s Qi and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, and physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, virtually painless, and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.