The first sessions are always the longest, lasting anywhere from 60-90 minutes.  The acupuncturist will ask you to fill out paperwork which includes a detailed history about your health concerns present and past.  The more details you give your acupuncturist, the better able he/she will be in understanding your health issues and formulating a diagnosis.  Your diagnosis will also include taking your pulse and looking at your tongue, as this will give your acupuncturist added information in formulating a treatment plan. Your acupuncturist will also discuss diet, nutrition, and any lifestyle changes if needed, to help in treating your condition and bringing back the balance in your health.  Once the needles are inserted in specific acupuncture points, they will be left in for 20-30 minutes. Follow-up sessions usually last up to 45 minutes, depending on the patient’s conditions.

Your acupuncturist will also explain your treatment plan which will include:

  • an outline of your diagnosis and areas of concern
  • the duration of your treatments
  • the different modalities of treatments used if applicable