Consultation and treatment series: practical information

A consultation consists of:

• a discussion regarding your immediate request for help and other possible complaints or points of attention.
• A physical diagnostic examination, 
• drawing up or adapting the treatment plan,
• the actual acupuncture treatment, and
• the conclusion of the consultation. 

In all, a consultation takes 50 to 60 minutes.

Treatment series – how many treatments are required?
This question can only be answered in general terms since every person is unique, has an individual request for help and an individual health history. Usually, treatment of recent complaints produces results sooner than treatment of conditions that have existed for a longer time period. Three to five treatments will generally suffice to treat a simple, recent complaint.

Treatment frequency – how much time is there in between treatments?
Usually, in consultation with you as the client, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled one week after the first treatment. As soon as possible, the frequency will shift to once every two or three weeks. In case of long-term complaints or maintaining a certain level, the goal is one treatment every three to four weeks. In case of an acute complaint, a second treatment may be advisable within a shorter timeframe. Depending on the recovery process, the intervals will become longer.

You do not need a referral from your GP or your specialist for acupuncture treatment. I do, however, advise you to inform your GP that you are being treated with acupuncture.