Information about your consultation and treatment series, the duration and frequency of your acupuncture series
A consultation usually 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.
A regular visit takes 50 to 60 minutes.
Initial consultation and follow-up
During your first visit the emphasis will be on our discussion; the treatment time (acupuncture) will be relatively short. You may consider the treatment during the initial consultation as your introduction to acupuncture. Follow-up consultations also take 50 to 60 minutes. The emphasis then is on the acupuncture and possible additional treatment methods.
A follow-up treatment with only patched is a brief consultation. This usually involves a follow-up consultation ear acupuncture or the application of band-aids: Serica therapy or Meridian Colour Therapy.
An introduction (consultation without treatment) may be given in exceptional circumstances. Consultations are not available over the phone, except for a 10-minutes conversation. Obviously you are invited to inform by phone whether acupuncture is appropriate for your request for help.
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.