What to expect

Typically a person will come with a problem that they have had for some time. The first visit – a 2 hour Consultation and Treatment – will start the process of healing. Patients can feel three things after this visit –

• The person's symtoms improve and they feel better in themselves. The person can also feel better in themselves with no improvement in their symptom – this is a precursor to getting better as their energy system strengthens.
• Nothing at all – the person’s condition may have been there for some time and they may not feel any difference after one treatment – however change is underway and the foundation for better health is being laid.
• Rarely the person will feel temporarily worse – this is the Law of Cure in operation – the Law of Cure states that healing goes from above to below; from within to without and healing takes place starting with the most recent issue. This change usually happens subtly and the patient does not notice – rarely it can flare up into something which is part of the healing process and a sign that improvement is to come.

I will need to see the person frequently initially and then once the person’s natural self healing powers are re – activated I will need to see them less frequently as they continue to improve. A person should feel something positive is happening after 5-6 treatments.

General Note

Allow two hours for your initial consultation and diagnosis and one hour for subsequent treatments. The diagnosis is facilitated by you attending not wearing make-up, perfumes, deodorants or aftershave. It is also useful if you present a list of medications you are taking.

The Initial Consultation

The initial examination takes up to two hours and includes a thorough medical and personal history, description of complaints, a review of the functioning of the systems of the body, and a physical examination. This includes the taking of the Chinese pulses [usually felt at the wrist] from which the practitioner can determine the state of the energy in each of the major organs and functions. Using the diagnostic tools of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture, an assessment is made of the condition of your Ch'i energy and the underlying cause of your condition is determined. From all of this information, a treatment plan is developed, unique to you.

Subsequent Appointments

Following the initial consultation, subsequent appointments are generally scheduled for one hour. Prior to each treatment, you will have ample time to talk about how you've been, how you feel, and what's happening in your life, which is essential information for the practitoner to determine exactly the treatment that is called for at that time. The pulses are read and moxa and/or needles are applied. The response to the treatment will be assessed by reading the pulses. Dietary and other lifestyle recommendations will be discussed at appropriate times throughout treatment.

For further information on the nature of the treatments, please refer to our FAQ section.