Is there anything special I need to do before my first session or acupuncture in general?

 

Nothing special is necessary.  I do suggest that if you have an empty stomach, have a light snack before coming in.  And if you haven’t got the time, just ask–we usually have some light snacks available for you to enjoy.

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What should I expect during my first acupuncture session?

 

First, you'll have an intake conversation with Coreen. You'll be asked about your health history, your current lifestyle, and your goals. After getting cozy on the treatment table, Coreen will take your pulses and look at your tongue. These are two of the major diagnostic tools we use in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  If you are someone who brushes their tongue–if you can refrain from doing so, that would be helpful as the coating is also something we look at as well.  

 

Coreen places small needles in select points to address your needs and concerns. Once all needles have been placed, Coreen will ensure you are comfortable and leave you to rest for around 25 minutes. If at any time you need anything, you have a buzzer which you can ring at anytime for assistance.  Once your treatment is complete, Coreen will remove and dispose of the needles and you will be on your way.

 

Within a day you will receive a treatment plan that not only outlines your goals but also counsel on food advice, lifestyle changes, treatment schedule and any other recommendations. 

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What clothes should I wear?

Come as you are!  If Coreen needs to access an acupuncture point that is obfuscated by clothing, there are linens so that appropriate draping can take place.  

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Does acupuncture hurt?

Generally speaking, the way Coreen practices, it does not.  Coreen practices how she likes to receive treatment–effective but overall relaxing.  In fact, many patients fall asleep during treatment!

When people think about needles, they often think about needles that are used in Western Medicine–where they are injecting something or taking something–needles with a lumen.  The needles we use don’t have a lumen allowing them to be MUCH finer, almost hair-like thin.

 

Coreen particularly loves working with first-timers or those who are needle-sensitive.  There are a number of different techniques she employs to make it a manageable and enjoyable experience.  

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How fast will I see results with acupuncture?

This is really dependent on why you are coming to see me.  Is it an acute muscle strain?  You might get relief same day or the following day.  Have you struggled with constipation for a number of months now?  That may take longer.  Traditional Chinese Medicine is about helping your body to return to homeostasis and to help heal itself with the assistance of acupuncture, possibly herbs and other modalities. Patience can be key depending on why you are coming in.  

 

It is a question that no matter who you see, should always be answered–an expectation should always be set.  

 

Another important point to make is that the practitioner-patient relationship is an important one–almost symbiotic in nature.  Coreen can do what she can do but if there is homework to do as a patient, this may hasten your progress and will be of overall benefit to you. 

 

 

Do you use herbs?

Coreen does, if the situation calls for it.  

 

Traditional Chinese herbs are our version of internal medicine.  Second Spring Acupuncture and Wellness uses herbs in tincture format as this seems to be the easiest form for our patients to take them.  We also choose to use herbs and formulas that are organic and wild-crafted whenever we can.  

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine has always been about your specific diagnosis and Coreen’s extensive use of herbs will always be about customizing formulas to fit your constitution and diagnosis.