What to Expect the First Visit

You will be greeted with a smile and a handshake - Thank You for your interest in the profound healing tradition of classical Chinese medicine!

At your initial visit we will do a thorough evaluation, using the Four Pillars of Diagnosis, consisting of a health history interview, a visual inspection of your tongue, and palpation of the radial wrist pulses and often abdomen and arm and leg channels to get a good idea of what your condition is - to discover the "Pattern(s) of Disharmony" - which is what guides the best approach to take towards healing your unique health concerns.

After the evaluation, we will explain if Chinese medicine could be useful for your condition or not.  If so, we will communicate the treatment principles, the modalities to be used (eg. acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na, Gua Sha, Chinese herbal medicine, etc.) to achieve relief, and the ideal frequency and number of treatments needed.  If not, we will try to facilitate the appropriate referral for the best treatment fit for you.

Treatments take place on a very comfortable memory foam covered massage table in one of three positions: face-up, face-down (on a BodyCushion®), or side-lying . More palpation of acupuncture channels and points will guide the exact location for gentle placement of hair-thin sterile disposable needles - typically between 10 and 20, but occasionally far fewer or several more, depending on your individual needs and comfort level.  If electro-acupuncture is applicable, the needles will then be attached to the electro-acupuncture unit, turned on, and up to a very minimal and comfortable level of stimulation. Optional aromatherapy, relaxing music, and dimmed lights accompany the 20 to 40 minute retention of needles while you rest quietly - many of our patients fall fast asleep!  Additional therapies such as Tui Na (Chinese bodywork & massage), Cupping, or Gua Sha may also be used, following removal of needles.  If at any point during the treatment you are at all uncomfortable or need anything we will attend to your needs immediately.

Chinese herbal medicine, if appropriate, will be discussed and prescribed following the physical therapies, and you will be given explanatory handouts about the formula(s) and encouraged to research further on the internet.

Though aspects of the diagnosis and treatment will surely be unfamiliar, you should be comfortable with the entire process - if not, please let us know. If you have any questions at any point throughout this process please feel free to ask: Knowledge is Power, and we want to give you the power to heal yourself! 

Download Initial Visit Forms

Piedmont Acupuncture + Oriental Medicine 1415 West First Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101  336.777.0037

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