There are reoccuring questions that Wade answers daily in his Acupuncture Clinic. Wade has done internships in Oncology Clinics, Aids Clinics, Japanese Clinics, and PTSD Clinics. Since Wade has been in practice he has seen hundreds of patients and the following information answers some of the most frequent questions he hears concerning initial visits for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture:

How long does an acupuncture visit take?
Your first treatment is approximately 1 hour and involves an initial consultation in which a diagnosis is made and we determine which TCM treatments are right for you. After the initial consultation, we generally move right into a first treatment during the same visit. Follow-up visits consist of a much shorter intake/diagnosis period before treatment, and generally last for 45 minutes.

How do you use Traditional Chinese Medicine to diagnose my health problem?
I will ask a variety of questions regarding your specific complaint and general health. I will use Traditional Chinese diagnostic methods including radial pulse reading and tongue diagnosis. The initial consultation includes a standard health history not unlike at a medical doctor’s office. You will need to fill out a few forms that I provide you. If you wish, you may download the forms and fill them out at home before you come in. Whatever first treatment is appropriate will be done immediately following the initial consultation.

Do the Acupuncture needles hurt?
Most people are surprised and relieved to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin—unlike hypodermic needles which are thick and hollow. Acupuncturists can attain a high level of skill in gently placing these tiny needles and often the insertion is barely perceptible. The needles are usually inserted only several millimeters in depth—also very unlike hypodermic injections. As such, patients generally do not feel the painful piercing or pricking sensation typically associated with an injection, blood sample, or other medical needle procdure. I use only disposable needles.

What does the Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine treatment involve?
During acupuncture, full attention will be given to help you relax and receive the most value from the treatment. After each needle is inserted, you may feel nothing, or sometimes a vague numbness, heaviness, or slight tingling. However, the treatment is effective whether these feelings are sensed or not. The needles will be left in for 20-30 minutes while you relax with soothing music in a warm room. After the treatment, you may experience a relaxing euphoric feeling.

How should I prepare for my Acupuncture treatment?
Patients should eat before coming for an acupuncture treatment and should wear comfortable clothes. You should be prepared to refrain from rigorous exercise for at least two hours before and after treatment.