Your first visit
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"
- Lao-tzu
Congratulations!
By choosing acupuncture, you've taken a wonderful step towards a much more healthy and balanced lifestyle. Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been helping people regain and maintain the health for thousands of years. Since the introduction of this system of medicine to the West in the 1970's, its use and popularity have been on the rise as empirical evidence and scientific research continue to unequivocally demonstrate its effectiveness and safety.
Since acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a whole is a system of health care that may be different to other care you have received, it is only natural that you may have questions. Please read on to find out what to expect and how to get the most out of your treatments with me.
What to expect
When you arrive for your first appointment, you will be greeted in the waiting room. If you haven't already filled in an intake form, please arrive around 10-15 minutes early to fill one in, so we can make the most of our time together. You will then be guided to a private treatment room to begin the consultation.
I allow a generous amount of time to really get to know you and your health concerns. I may ask a range of questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, sleep habits, diet, emotional states and anything that may offer insight into your health. I will also use diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and Chinese medicine, such as pulse and tongue diagnosis, to come to a wholistic assessment of your unique needs. Please ask any questions of your own during this time.
Having the opportunity to really discuss your health with a practitioner who really listens to you, including factors like your lifestyle, emotional and mental well-being that may be affecting your health, might be a new experience. Think of it as an opportunity to form a partnership for better health. The more you take part in your healing process, the more successful it will be.
After the consultation, I will make you comfortable on the massage table. We will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points along the channels, also known as meridian pathways. Acupuncture points will be chosen based on your unique constitution, health condition(s) and symptoms. Once the needles are in place and you are comfortable, I will then leave you to rest. The needles will be left in place for anything between 20 – 40 minutes, depending on your needs. I have a selection of relaxing music for you to listen to if you wish, or you can choose to relax in silence.
Other treatment modalities, such as electro-acupuncture, moxibustion or infrared heat therapy may also be applied before, during or after the acupuncture treatment. Please see the 'FAQ' page for a description of these modalities. After the treatment you may feel deeply relaxed and it is a good idea to have a bit of free time available to rest and transition after you are finished.
I allow a generous amount of time to really get to know you and your health concerns. I may ask a range of questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, sleep habits, diet, emotional states and anything that may offer insight into your health. I will also use diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture and Chinese medicine, such as pulse and tongue diagnosis, to come to a wholistic assessment of your unique needs. Please ask any questions of your own during this time.
Having the opportunity to really discuss your health with a practitioner who really listens to you, including factors like your lifestyle, emotional and mental well-being that may be affecting your health, might be a new experience. Think of it as an opportunity to form a partnership for better health. The more you take part in your healing process, the more successful it will be.
After the consultation, I will make you comfortable on the massage table. We will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points along the channels, also known as meridian pathways. Acupuncture points will be chosen based on your unique constitution, health condition(s) and symptoms. Once the needles are in place and you are comfortable, I will then leave you to rest. The needles will be left in place for anything between 20 – 40 minutes, depending on your needs. I have a selection of relaxing music for you to listen to if you wish, or you can choose to relax in silence.
Other treatment modalities, such as electro-acupuncture, moxibustion or infrared heat therapy may also be applied before, during or after the acupuncture treatment. Please see the 'FAQ' page for a description of these modalities. After the treatment you may feel deeply relaxed and it is a good idea to have a bit of free time available to rest and transition after you are finished.
Getting the most out of treatment
For the best treatment results, please keep the following things in mind:
- Please arrive on time for your appointments, so that we can make the most of our time together.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to roll up to your knees and elbows.
- Never hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns. You are in a safe and healing place.
- Please eat a light snack before treatment if you have not eaten much that day. Acupuncture works with the body’s own energy, so it is best to have some on hand to work with!
- For the first 12 to 24 hours after treatment, try to avoid alcohol, strenuous activity and exposure to extreme weather while your body adjusts to the effects of the acupuncture.
- Be willing to commit to regular treatments, as each visit builds on previous ones.
- Read the blog post: "Relaxation tips to maximise your acupuncture treatment", which has great ideas for ways to enhance your experience 'on the table'.
Your role in the healing process
My mission is to provide you with effective and powerful treatments while at the same time to educate, inspire and empower you in all aspects of your health. Your participation is a key component of your treatment plan. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are wonderful therapies in themselves, however you will get the best results by working in partnership with your practitioner to make positive and long-lasting changes to your life.
I will give you suggestions and guidance as to lifestyle changes or self-help therapies that are proven to improve your level of health and enhance treatment results. Committing to a healthy lifestyle, and keeping a focus on your health are the best steps you can take for your wellbeing. Working together, we can help you achieve harmony and balance.
I will give you suggestions and guidance as to lifestyle changes or self-help therapies that are proven to improve your level of health and enhance treatment results. Committing to a healthy lifestyle, and keeping a focus on your health are the best steps you can take for your wellbeing. Working together, we can help you achieve harmony and balance.
How often should I come?
For acupuncture to have a long lasting effect, it is best to receive it regularly and frequently enough to achieve progressive improvements in your health. Keep in mind that in China where acupuncture is an integral part of the healthcare system, patients receive acupuncture as frequently as every day or every second day for a series of ten treatments, and then have a rest before further treatment if it is necessary. Obviously, in our time- and money-poor culture, this often isn't possible for us here in Australia. We can still reap the wonderful benefits of acupuncture - we just need to be committed and have realistic expectations about how many treatments are needed. Some basic guidelines are outlined below:
If your problem is acute (new), for example, the common cold, a sinus infection or muscular pain from recent overexertion, the greatest benefit will be achieved from multiple visits in a short space of time, such as two or three treatments a week for one or two weeks. You should experience significant improvement after this period of time and we can then discuss whether further treatments are necessary.
If your problem is chronic (long term), for example, chronic fatigue, depression or infertility, it is usually helpful to have a series of treatments close together (at least once or twice a week) for a period of time, then as your condition improves the frequency of treatments can gradually decrease.
If you are seeking relief from uncontrollable events, such as stress, it is best to think of acupuncture as a tool for health maintenance. Acupuncture can assist you to cope better with whatever life brings your way, by relieving the effects of stress and improving your immunity. During these times, come in once or twice a week, or as often as you need to alleviate the symptoms.
If your problem is acute (new), for example, the common cold, a sinus infection or muscular pain from recent overexertion, the greatest benefit will be achieved from multiple visits in a short space of time, such as two or three treatments a week for one or two weeks. You should experience significant improvement after this period of time and we can then discuss whether further treatments are necessary.
If your problem is chronic (long term), for example, chronic fatigue, depression or infertility, it is usually helpful to have a series of treatments close together (at least once or twice a week) for a period of time, then as your condition improves the frequency of treatments can gradually decrease.
If you are seeking relief from uncontrollable events, such as stress, it is best to think of acupuncture as a tool for health maintenance. Acupuncture can assist you to cope better with whatever life brings your way, by relieving the effects of stress and improving your immunity. During these times, come in once or twice a week, or as often as you need to alleviate the symptoms.
How long will it take?
This flows on from the previous question & answer. It is important to know that acupuncture is not an instant fix. Some people are disappointed if they don't see miraculous results within a few treatments, and discontinue treatment. This is a great shame, and reflects on a failing on our part as well as in the popular literature about acupuncture to educate people about the process of healing through acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
True healing takes time and commitment. Chinese Medicine takes a wholistic approach to health, meaning it takes into account your whole self (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual) in order to get to the root of your health concerns, rather than simply just treating the symptoms. This is part of the reason why this system of medicine has become so popular. People are becoming wary of the mainstream 'quick fix' approach to many conditions, where a drug is prescribed to suppress the symptoms, but the root cause of the problem remains. These 'quick fixes' not only neglect to address the real reason why the problem has occurred, but they can often cause side effects that can range from annoying to life-threatening. As stated above - true healing takes time.
Length of time in treatment, and results will really vary depending on your current health condition and symptoms. If you have an acute condition and are in a good state of general health, you might feel better right away or within a few treatments. If you have a recurring or chronic condition, this is obviously going to take longer - you might need treatments for weeks, months or years to achieve the results you want. I can give you an idea of what to expect after your first consultation. For longer-term problems, a good rule of thumb is to commit to six treatments, and then have a review to assess how things are going. With an open mind and a little patience, you will be on your way to radiant health and wellbeing.
Even after your symptoms have been resolved, acupuncture can play an important role in maintaining your health and preventing future imbalances or illnesses. Many patients come in for a monthly, quarterly, or yearly 'tune-up' to make sure they are keeping on the right track. Learning to look after yourself and pay attention to the messages your body gives you are invaluable skills that your practitioner can help you with for long term health and vitality.
By planting the seeds of health, and taking steps in that direction, you are on the path to a happier, healthier, more vibrant you!
True healing takes time and commitment. Chinese Medicine takes a wholistic approach to health, meaning it takes into account your whole self (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual) in order to get to the root of your health concerns, rather than simply just treating the symptoms. This is part of the reason why this system of medicine has become so popular. People are becoming wary of the mainstream 'quick fix' approach to many conditions, where a drug is prescribed to suppress the symptoms, but the root cause of the problem remains. These 'quick fixes' not only neglect to address the real reason why the problem has occurred, but they can often cause side effects that can range from annoying to life-threatening. As stated above - true healing takes time.
Length of time in treatment, and results will really vary depending on your current health condition and symptoms. If you have an acute condition and are in a good state of general health, you might feel better right away or within a few treatments. If you have a recurring or chronic condition, this is obviously going to take longer - you might need treatments for weeks, months or years to achieve the results you want. I can give you an idea of what to expect after your first consultation. For longer-term problems, a good rule of thumb is to commit to six treatments, and then have a review to assess how things are going. With an open mind and a little patience, you will be on your way to radiant health and wellbeing.
Even after your symptoms have been resolved, acupuncture can play an important role in maintaining your health and preventing future imbalances or illnesses. Many patients come in for a monthly, quarterly, or yearly 'tune-up' to make sure they are keeping on the right track. Learning to look after yourself and pay attention to the messages your body gives you are invaluable skills that your practitioner can help you with for long term health and vitality.
By planting the seeds of health, and taking steps in that direction, you are on the path to a happier, healthier, more vibrant you!
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Copyright © 2013 | Angie Savva | Quan Yin Healing Centre, Springwood, NSW 2777 | 0403 945 325
Serving the Blue Mountains - Lapstone, Glenbrook, Blaxland, Blaxland East, Warimoo, Winmalee, Yellow Rock, Hawkesberry Heights, Valley Heights, Springwood, Faulconbridge, Mount Riverview, Linden, Woodford, Hazelbrook, Lawson, Bullaburra, Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba
Serving the Blue Mountains - Lapstone, Glenbrook, Blaxland, Blaxland East, Warimoo, Winmalee, Yellow Rock, Hawkesberry Heights, Valley Heights, Springwood, Faulconbridge, Mount Riverview, Linden, Woodford, Hazelbrook, Lawson, Bullaburra, Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba