How to Get the Most Out of Your Acupuncture Session.

  1. It is not optimal to come hungry, thirsty or rushed to a treatment. Please eat a few hours before acupuncture. Please do not come full of caffeine, using recreational drugs, or while fasting. I am always amazed how patients come with a large soft drink or coffee and wonder while they can't  relax during the treatment. 
  2. Some acupuncturists believe that after the needles are removed you should not drink, eat or use the bathroom for twenty minutes. Doing so will reduce the efficacy of the treatment.
  3. Please wear comfortable clothes to allow access to your elbows and knees. Shorts/baggy clothes, and sandals work well.
  4. After acupuncture do not so anything to excess including, physical exercise, shopping, hot baths, social events, over eating, drinking, recreational drugs, or anything that is taxing to the body.
  5. Physical therapy, chiropractic and massage can be done before or after an acupuncture session. Please inform us of any same day medical therapies. We want to make sure there are not too many cooks in the kitchen.
  6. If possible, allow the rest of the day after acupuncture to be relaxing to allow the treatment and the body to work.
  7. Most people feel better and return to normal activity too soon. Aggravation comes from loading the muscles too soon before they have had enough time to heal completely. Even if they are pain free with the acupuncture they may not be ready to be used.
  8. Most people feel better after the treatment. Age, degree of problem, medications, stress level, work situation, nutrition and more can hamper the full effects of acupuncture helping your body heal itself. Cameron is happy to discuss these factors with you. If you are particularly nervous the first treatment it may take a couple treatments for your nervous system to adjust.
  9. Ancient literature tells us if you have a great physician and poor patient you will get mediocreD results. If you have a poor physician and a great patient the same, but if you have a great patient and great physician you get great results.
  10. My observations in both China and Japan showed me they treat more often and longer than we do in the states. Often patients are seen three or more times a week. However, China has a socialized medical system. It may cost or time prohibited here to do the same but it should be kept in mind for prognosis evaluation. Studies do tell us that acupuncture is cumulative and is more effective after 10-15 treatments. 
    It is better not to try to test the acupuncture by stopping your medication. Having worked in medical offices and hospitals it is best to stabilize the body with acupuncture and once feeling quite well for a couple weeks consult your physician on reduction of your medication.