Acupuncture Diagnosis and Treatment, Continued

Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques. The first visit takes about a one and a half hours and combines an in-depth interview, a physical examination, and a treatment. The practitioner will ask the patient about his or her medical and family history, lifestyle and various body system functioning (sleep, appetite, etc.). The acupuncturist then takes the pulses to read the quality and quantity of the qi energy flowing along the twelve meridians of the body.

With the patient relaxing on the treatment table, the acupuncturist inserts very fine needles, about the thickness of a hair, into specific acupuncture points and/or applies moxibustion to the point. These are the tools that the practitioner uses to release blocked energy and reestablish balance. The response of the treatment is gaged by pulses and other indicators. Then, the acupuncturist devises a treatment plan.

Subsequent office visits last 45 minutes, since not much time needs to be spent on hisotry. The patient is asked about feedback from the last visit and the pulses and other diagnostics are taken again. The practitioner makes a new diagnosis, compares it to the previous diagnosis and treatment. Then, repeats the procedure mentioned for the first treatment. (Brief article on What to Expect).

Number and Frequency of Treatments. In some cases, two treatments per week may be required at first. Usually one visit per week is sufficient until improvement has been maintained. The treatments are then gradually spaced further apart until there is need for only periodic check-ups. To support the healing process the practitioner may request that the patient modify his or her lifestyle.

The nature and severity of the patient's imbalance, how long he or she has had it, as well as lifestyle factors that may be impeding treatment, are all issues that affect the number and frequency of treatments.

Pain Level. Some people would like to try acupuncture but assume it will be painful. At Tracy Medical Arts, we use Japanese acupuncture techniques. The needles are solid, flexible and extremely fine — much finer than those used for injections or drawing blood. One of the techniques (Toyo Hari, a highly refined method of Japanese Acupuncture) does not require full penetration of the skin. In these cases, patients report that they do not feel the needle at all. If needles are inserted, there may be some slight discomfort - the sensation is often described as a dull ache - but the feeling is generally acceptable and lasts only one or two seconds. The finest quality stainless steel, pre-sterilized, disposable needles are used.

Response to Treatment. Reactions to treatment vary from person to person. Some people will not see improvement in their main complaint right away, but rather a change in their overall state of wellness. Others will see improvement in their main complaint sooner. Still others may experience a slight intensification of a particular symptom, prior to the symptom disappearing. Sometimes changes are obvious, and sometimes they are more subtle. Generally speaking, for cases where symptoms have been present for a long time or are more severe more visits may be required.

People frequently notice improved sleep, increased relaxation, changes in appetite and bowel patterns, or an improved body temperature. These are all positive signs of a better energy balance, which if continued and supported, will lead to an alleviation of the major symptoms. Because body, mind and spirit are affected by acupuncture treatment, your acupuncturist will spend a portion of each visit monitoring these changes.

Patient's role in treatment enhancement. To gain maximum benefit from treatment you must be an active partner in caring for yourself. Your acupuncturist may work with you to make needed lifestyle changes. Such changes may include getting adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise and minimizing excessive use of sugar, alcohol, coffee, tobaccoor other injurious habits.

Also, on the day of treatment it is best to:

• avoid eating a heavy meal just prior to, or immediately after treatment.
• avoid excessively hot or cold bathing on the day of treatment.
• avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic drinks prior to, or immediately after treatment.
• if possible, plan your activities so that you have a little rest or quiet time after treatment.

Continue regular doctor care. Acupuncture may be used in conjunction with other care you are receiving. Continue any medication exactly as prescribed by your physician. After your treatments are proceeding, and if and when it is appropriate, you may make arrangements with your physician to reduce or stop your medication. If you have a medical emergency, please contact your physician or an emergency service. Please inform your acupuncturist of such occurences, as well as all changes in your medical treatment.