Your first visit typically lasts 60 minutes. An acupuncture session is 25 to 30 minutes. Our initial discussion and process of discovery will be 5 to 20 minutes. Drs. David Lee, Che-ol Kim, or Sima Ebrahimi will take a health history, may perform a physical exam, and will provide you a treatment plan.
Getting the most out of treatment
For the best treatment results, keep a few things in mind:
- Please show up on time
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes
- Discuss any questions or concerns
- Follow your dietary recommendation
- Keep all of your appointments, as each visit builds upon the previous ones
Communication and Diagnostic Style
Because the nature of this medicine is natural, our communication style is different from a typical medical clinic. Our communication is not based on a bio-chemical explanation nor blood test. Yes, we would like to know your medical history through these means. However, we use time-tested nature medicine, which has a language of its own. So our discussion of your case will be mostly on your subjective observation.
During your first exam, we 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, emotional states and anything that may offer insight into how your body works for a proper treatment. We employ diagnostic tools that are unique to acupuncture, such as measuring your torso and palpating your pelvic bone to gauge the shape related to your body type.
Or if you have a localized problem such as low back pain, then the information gathering will be short.
Your treatment plan
Once we have gathered enough information which may take one to several visits, you’ll receive a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain:
- Your underlying imbalances
- Your timeline of care
- What types of treatment you will receive
How treatment works
To treat your imbalances, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific acupuncture points on the limbs along the meridian pathways. We have a proprietary acupuncture protocol that is highly reliable. In addition, we may concentrate on acupuncture points related to your body type, which is your particular physiology. Imbalances are result in pain, inflammation, and dysfunction. Through stimulation of trigger points, boosting of healing occurs.
We may include other therapies in your treatment plan, such as Asian herbs. Because the Asian herbs are subtle in balancing your physiology, it is important to follow the dosage directions in order to get the timely benefit.
Your role in the healing process
Your actions are a key component of your treatment plan. We recommend minimum number of visits for a timely improvement. For example, we may request you to get acupuncture twice a week for 3 weeks. Or you may also be given Asian herbs taken twice a day for 30 days. We understand that a habitual healthy lifestyle takes time to develop. Our recommendations are the best steps you can take for your well-being. Together, we can heal your imbalances.
Even after your symptoms are resolved, Asian medicine can assist you in maintaining your health, and possibly prevent future problems. The more you consistently incorporate acupuncture into your life, the more you’ll learn to nurture your body and mind.
Acupuncture is and is not an instant fix.
Acupuncture is amazing in that it can accelerate your improvement process. Often, it quickly resolves your long-standing pain. At other times, true healing takes time and dedication. Depending on your current health and symptoms, you could feel better right away, or you may need treatments for weeks to achieve the significant improvement. We can give you an idea of what to expect. With an open mind, you’ll be on your way to health and vitality.
Acupuncture and Eastern medicine offer a safe and effective holistic health care system. This natural approach can simultaneously resolve symptoms and enhance your overall health.
To help answer many of your questions, you can click on the icon below for Patient Guide.
