Abilene Acupuncture Clinic 325-660-4086   162 Caddo Drive, Suite 136, Abilene TX

Your First Visit

When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.

All treatment begins with a proper diagnosis, which takes place during your first visit.  A lot of time is spent getting a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. I will examine the condition of your tongue (is it cracked, coated, swollen, etc.), and check your pulse on both wrists (the quality of your pulse gives information about possible imbalances). You will also be asked questions about specific symptoms you may have along with diet and lifestyle questions. This is done because unlike Western medicine, Oriental medicine treats the whole person. Instead of merely focusing on the symptoms of your condition, it treats the underlying cause of those symptoms as well.

Based on your personalized diagnosis, I will select acupuncture points that are specific and beneficial for your condition. Once the needles are inserted, I will leave you to lie comfortably for about 30 minutes with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.

Your first visit will include diagnosis and an acupuncture treatment that can last from an hour and a half to two hours. Your follow-up visits will be much quicker, typically about an hour. We will have a quick review of your progress; discuss any modifications to your treatment plan, followed by an acupuncture treatment.