Your first visit
Congratulations! By choosing acupuncture, you've taken a great step toward a more balanced, healthy lifestyle. The ancient practices of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) have helped millions of people regain and maintain their health. Since this system of health care may be different than other care you've received, it's only natural to have questions. Read on to find out what to expect - and how to get the most out of your treatments. Acupuncture and TCM take a holistic, or whole-body approach to health.
What to expect on your first visit...
Initial visits generally last from 30 to 90 minutes. Your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history and a physical exam, and provide you with your unique treatment plan. During your first exam, your acupuncturist will spend time getting to know you and your health concerns. You may be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, eating, exercise, sleep habits, and emotional states - anything that may offer insight into your health. Your practitioner will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and TCM such as tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Once the imbalances of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints along meridian pathways. This safe and painless insertion of needles can unblock the obstruction and balance Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done, Qi can freely circulate throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues, and muscles. This can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony, as well as the body’s ability to heal itself – ultimately leading to optimal health and well-bring.
Most patients find the treatment very relaxing, Many are surprised to find how comfortable they are during an acupuncture treatment and how easily and painlessly the needles are inserted. Some patients even go to sleep during treatment. 
