Kauai Five Element Acupuncture

acupuncture

for the

body, mind and spirit

acupuncture

for the

body, mind and spirit

What to Expect in Classical Five Element Acupuncture Treatment

The first appointment is typically a two-hour consultation. During this visit we will speak at length about your specific health concerns and address any questions you may have about acupuncture and the healing process. We will also discuss your health, lifestyle and personal histories in detail, followed by a physical examination. Based upon your individual needs, needles may or may not be used during the first visit.

The primary objective of the first appointment

is to assess the underlying conditions that have led

to your current concerns. A person's current state

of health is often a continuation of earlier conditions

that may or may not seem at all related except in the

context of Five Element Acupuncture.

Following the initial consultation, ideally you will

be seen in weekly one-hour sessions for 6-8 visits.

Treatment frequency and duration varies with each

individual, and the first few treatments may take up

to two hours.

Subsequent visits involve acupuncture treatments

to address your specific concerns and goals. The

practitioner will assess the state of your health by

listening to your wrist pulses. She will treat using

acupuncture needles and/or the burning of moxa (a Chinese medicinal herb) and prescribe Chinese Herbs, dietary recommendations, or Qigong exercises as needed.

Every individual is unique, as is their response to treatment. Often the initial improvements are in the overall state of health. However, some people notice a marked improvement in their main complaint immediately. In addition, the length of time that the condition has been present can be a factor in a person's recovery rate. During the course of treatment, significant signs of progress will likely appear. As patients experience improvement in their condition and enjoy a greater sense of ease in life, treatments may be extended to every other week, every three weeks, monthly and eventually seasonally.

About the Needles

• Acupuncture needles are very fine, approximately the thickness of a human hair, and have a flexible shaft.
  

• They are made from the finest quality surgical stainless steel and are pre-sterilized and discarded after each use.
  

• Unlike hollow hypodermic needles, they are solid, much thinner, and do not induce blood flow.
  

During treatment, Classical Five Element Acupuncturists use very few needles in order to interfere as little as possible with the natural movement of life energy. The average number of needles used in a treatment is between 6 and 10.

When a needle is inserted at a meridian point, a very slight prick may be felt. When the needle then contacts the qi in the meridian, the person may feel various sensations. Descriptions vary from not feeling anything at all, to a sharp or tickling sensation, or a slight ache or electric current, any of which lasts only for a second or two. Classical Five Element needles generally are not left in for long periods of time and are removed within a moment or two of insertion.

Preparing for Your First Treatment

To prepare for your first treatment, please click on the "New Clients" link for a detailed description of suggested guidelines for before and after treatment. Following these guidelines will ensure the best possible results from your acupuncture treatments.

              Water                            Earth                           Metal                         Fire                                   Wood

Anne Skabo, L.Ac.    Kilauea     (808) 634-0009     kauai5elementacupuncture@gmail.com