Your first acupuncture treatment. What to expect?
Examination and diagnosis
A consultation takes about an hour. Prior to the treatment, I will check how you are doing now and whether progress has been made since the previous appointment. The pulse is felt and I will also ask you to stick your tongue out so I can examine it.
By feeling the pulse and looking at the tongue I can diagnose the complaint according to Chinese Medicine. With this information I make a treatment plan and can also estimate how many treatments will be needed to help you.
Below you can read more about the treatment techniques: acupuncture, moxa, and cupping.
Read more:
There are more than 365 acupuncture points
An acupuncture treatment does not hurt. When inserting the needle, you will feel a small prick as soon as the needle goes through the skin. The needles that are used are thin and they are very precisely punctured on special acupuncture points.
Acupuncture
When you lie down on the treatment table, a few needles are placed in the legs, feet, hands, arms or abdomen. Possibly on the back, neck or head. Of course you can always leave your underwear (including bra) on.
Hair-thin needles are placed in precise places. About 10 to 15 needles per treatment. Acupuncture needles are sterile packaged and are single use.
Acupuncture treatment does not hurt. When inserting the needle, you will feel a small prick as soon as the needle goes through the skin. The needles that are used are thin and they are very precisely punctured on special acupuncture points.
You may feel a shock after insertion and when moving the needle. Acupuncturists call that "De Qì" and this means that Qi has arrived at the point so the needle can do its job.
Ear acupuncture
Tiny needles pierced in the ear are covered with a band-aid and can remain in the ear for up to six days. You can just shower, sleep, move with it. If necessary, I combine ear and body acupuncture in one consultation.
Reflex points in the ear are especially sensitive when there is a disturbance in the body. Every part of the body can be found in the ear. Parts of the ear do not only correspond to physical parts of the musculoskeletal system or nervous system. We find every organ, every endocrine or brain function in the ear.
As a result, auriculotherapy can be used to support smoking cessation or to reduce other addictions. Pain can be sedated through the ear. Auriculo provides support for an overload of stress or sleep problems. >>>More information about auriculo or ear acupuncture.
Scalp Acupuncture
Brain injury or neurological complaints have a major impact on functioning and personality. Scalp Acupuncture combines Traditional Chinese Medicine with contemporary knowledge of brain functions and the nervous system, neurology and neurological rehabilitation.
It has made me understand more in pain management, the impact of trauma (physical and emotional), the treatment chronic fatigue and hormonal disturbances. I apply scalp acupuncture daily in my practice for various complaints. Among other things, with migraines and complaints in the musculoskeletal system.
For scalp acupuncture, the needles are placed between the skullcap and the skin. By twisting and turning the needles, corresponding brain regions are activated.
Cupping
Cupping is a massage technique that is widely used in Eastern medicine.
Toxins in muscles and joints are not always easily broken down by the body. This can cause blockages and inconveniences. Cupping brings these toxins to the surface of the skin. Because of this, cupping helps detoxify the body.
Special glass cups are applied vacuum to the skin. The muscles and skin get well blooded, making it easier for the body to remove waste materials, resulting in overall relaxation.
A red spot may be visible locally after a cupping treatment. This is normal and the stain will disappear after a few days. When the redness has disappeared, there will also be an improvement in symptoms.
Cupping is not used in every treatment, but it is used, for example, for a cold, stiff muscles or back pain.
Moxa
Moxa is an herb that's called mugwort herb in English.
Moxa therapy is an addition to acupuncture treatment and part of Chinese medicine. It is used to combat pain and strengthen organs. It helps with scar treatment.
A moxa stick looks a lot like a big cigar. When you light it, it spreads an intense heat radiation over the acupuncture point, which is very pleasant and not at all painful.
During a treatment it is possible that the meridians, acupuncture points, reflex points and scars are treated. The heat treatment with Moxa gives a deep effect on a physical and energetic level. Moxa dissipates cold and strengthens the Yang.
Acupuncture Clinic for Body and Mind
Housed in Flow Plaza
Zaanenstraat 18
2022 CP Haarlem
- Acupuncture is often reimbursed by your insurance. Check your insurance policy for details.
