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Your First Treatment
 An acupuncturist's physical exam may resemble a more conventional exam, including vital signs like weight, temperature, and blood pressure. It is also likely to include a more detailed examination and analysis of the pulse and tongue as well as abdominal palpation and facial diagnosis.
When the acupuncturist has arrived at a working diagnosis, he or she will place you in a comfortable position to insert the needles. You may be seated although it is more common to lie down. Ten to 20 needles may be inserted, although more or less is not uncommon. Once the acupuncturist has made sure your are comfortable, you will relax in the treatment room for 15 to 20 minutes. The acupuncturist or an assistant may check to see that you are still comfortable during that period. The acupuncturist will return, take out the needles, and may put a similar amount of needles on the other side of your body. Once again , you will be left to relax.
After the acupuncture treatment is over, the acupucnturist may prescribe Chinese herbal medicines if they would be helpful. If the acupucnturist has not had herbal training, you may be referred to an herbalist if needed.
Most health problems take more than one treatment to resolve. Expect to have four treatment before a reassessment. Many problems may require ten or more treatments before significant benefits accrue. Along the way, though, you should see an overall improvement in your health as your main complaint improves as well.
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