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Your first visit

Welcome to ReZENance Acupuncture! This will be an opportunity for you to discuss your  your current concerns and your journey in getting to this point. A complete health history, physical evaluation and discussion will give you an idea of what to expect during your treatments. Please plan on your initial visit lasting between 1 to 1.5 hours. The following are some things you need to know to get the most out of your session: 

-If you need to fill out paper work, plan to arrive at your appointment 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

-Wear comfortable, loose fitting-clothing: 

Pants that come comfortably above your knees and that have a stretchy waist band. 

Wear layers on top. Women please consider a loose tank top under a comfy shirt. 

Don't wear jewelry or adornments that cannot be EASILY removed.

You will be instructed how best to dress for future visits during your initial visit. 

-Have something to eat a few hours before your treatment. You don't want to be hungry or overly full during acupuncture.

-Get plenty of rest the night before a treatment. 

-Allow for a few extra minutes for parking, checking-in and to relax before your session.  

Treatments

-Out of courtesy to others and to keep you focused on your session, we insist that you silence your cell phone or any other electronic devices BEFORE entering the office. Please use a low voice and keep noise to an absolute minimum while in the office.

The Kiiko Matsumoto style of acupuncture incorporates palpation of the abdomen and other parts of the body for diagnosis and point selection effectiveness.  You will be asked if palpating a certain area is uncomfortable or feels strange when palpated.  After point selection and stimulation, the same area will be palpated again to see if there is a change or absence of the initial sensation. 

Sensations

The overall process of receiving acupuncture is reported by most people as being relaxing, restorative and restful. During needle insertion, there may be a short poking or needle-like sensation on some of the points, but it will go away quickly. Occasionally a needle may need to be removed and re-inserted if this sensation lasts. Once all of the needles have been inserted, you may forget that they are there and slip into a state of relaxation, drifting in and out of consciousness. Many people report sensations or movements of energy within their bodies. Feelings like: water running under the skin, swirling movements or a warm sensation are all normal.  

After your session

Once all of the needles have been removed, you will be encouraged to take a few moments to collect yourself, your thoughts and return to the present moment. Most people have a deep sense of relaxation, stress relief and report feeling a bit "out of it" in a good way. Try and avoid excess stress or exertion after a treatment. 

Expectations 

What can you expect in terms of results? This is a question that is best answered by your practitioner after they have done their initial evaluation and treatment. Everyone is different in terms of age, overall health, lifestyle, diet and of course severity of illness. This means that a potential outcome from acupuncture therapy cannot be known without taking all of these factors into effect. With this in mind, the following are some general guidelines: 

Acute conditions typically respond faster to treatment and it is generally better to treat them with more frequency. A good strategy is 2-3 times per week for several weeks. 

Chronic conditions respond more slowly. 

A month of weekly or bi-weekly acupuncture therapy for every year that a condition has been going on is often necessary for chronic conditions. 

Following the recommendations of your practitioner regarding herbs, supplements, diet and lifestyle will speed up and improve your results. 

Most people see some degree of relief or improvement in their condition within 2-6 visits. 

The process of acupuncture therapy involves a relationship between you and your practitioner. The better your acupuncturist knows you, the more effective your sessions will be.

Make sure to drink plenty of water following your treatment.