TCM is mysterious! We like it that way, but here in the West… where questions come second in nature to breathing J we are constantly wondering and researching down to the last detail! But that is why I am here!!! I will help you understand your practitioner down to the last detail!!
I will describe this from your Acupuncturists point of view, similarly your herbal practitioner and Dr. Tcm, Dr. Acupuncture will have the same type of introduction, but just in case this will be solely from an Acupuncturists point of view, even though I am a TCM Practitioner.. I just wanted to make that clear J
First of all! Don’t be nervous! Your in control! You have taken the first step towards conquering your health and self awareness! This is an important step for anyone, and naturally your going to have questions, and worries about something new. So ill let you know step by step how your first encounter with your TCM Practitioner – Acupuncturist will be.
Step One- Finding an Acupuncturist, you can do this by looking in your yellow pages, calling to health establishments , chiropractors, Physio Therapy, Massage or Holistic type business’ to see if they have a REGISTERED Acupuncturist on staff. There are other forms of needling that some call acupuncture so be careful !
Step Two – Making the appointment, be prepared for at least an hour long appointment most likely it will be 90 Min's to cover your first intake – question sheet, and your treatment!! Costs can range, I know in Newfoundland the lowest cost is 65.00, most insurances cover the cost of Acupuncture and Alternative Therapies.. So you better check that out, and whether or not your Acupuncturist can do direct billing.
Step Three - Arriving at your appointment, you should have eaten a small snack or meal an hour before and wear something comfortable :) Forget all your worries and focus on yourself and your health.
Step Four - Meeting your Acupuncturist, Hello! Your Acupuncturist is here to help you, answer your questions and honestly think about you before themselves! They will get you to fill out a consent form and talk to you about what to expect during treatment and how you may feel, that there may be bruising etc.
Step Five - Private Consult - this is where your Acupuncturist will talk to you about what is ailing you.. no five min talks here!! This can take anywhere from 20 mins to up to an hour at times, depending on the patient. You will be asked some personal questions regarding life, health, habits, drugs, food, femine quesitons, male questions, children questions and of course questions about what is ailing you. We will take your pulse - Chinese Style, meaning we observe your health energies from your pulse on both arms, determining and pondering through many questions to aide us in healing you. As well be prepared for us to look at your tongue! Do NoT Brush your tongue!! Or have anything flavored, colored etc as it will alter your tongue color and coating.
Step Six -After your questions have been asnwered and so have mine :) I may take your blood pressure, then I will show you my tools such as needles, cups, alcohol - yes everything is treated with cleanliness, such as presterile needles that come pre packaged, and I use alcohol or Witch hazel to clean an area. I will explain what I will be doing whether today its massage, cupping or electro, or maybe just Acupuncture and Massage I will tell you exactly what I will be doing, no surprises. Then I will go out and formulate my treatment, pick points, think of specific treatment principles etc. After about 10 mins or less, I will be back when you are finished undressing to allow me access to your back legs etc, and we will start treatment. Treatments are usually 20 - 35 mins long on average! Sometimes longer, depending on the patient.. When treatment is over, some liniment is usually applied, a light massage is given and you are grounded by a foot massage. I will talk to you about your treatment, how you feel and I will tell you when you should come in, and future suggestions to help you such as food suggestions or emotional excersizes I think you should do. Its important to follow suggestions as it will greatly improve your health and overall experience.
Many people feel drowsy, excited, grounded, lightheaded, Euphoric after a treatment, some that recieve really strong treatments may not be able to drive due to euphoria or lightheadedness. Your practitioner can give you some idea during treatment how you should feel afterwards, but its important to be honest to your practitioner! So if you feel funny let us know, we can help curb that with some massage on the feet or usage of alternative points.
Well that is a pretty brief explanation of what would or will happen during your first treatment, I hope it has helped you a little bit more than before you didnt know. If you have more specific questions let me know, and ill be sure to help. Ill fill in more details about theory, tongue, pulse and needles etc later on down the road.. It takes time :) But be sure to email me any questions and ill try and answer them best I can.
Roberta Hammond. D.Ac. R.Ac
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