In a typical treatment the practitioner will ask a series of questions that will provide information about the patient’s overall health. The practitioner will also look at the tongue and feel the pulses to form a Chinese medical diagnosis. As a result of the diagnosis the practitioner will choose the appropriate techniques, which may include needling, cupping, gua sha, moxabustion, electrostimulation, and herbal formulas.

Also, by informing your Western medical physician that you are being treated with Chinese medicine, they can both provide safe and effective health care.

Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by Chinese medicine. However, some conditions that have arisen over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. Although Chinese medicine can provide relief for many conditions, there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. In such cases, your acupuncturist will recommend you contact a Western medical doctor. Chinese medicine should be seen as complementary to Western medicine.