The first visit to an acupuncturist is usually the longest, lasting around 90 minutes.
During this time the practitioner will take a detailed case history, feel your pulses in both wrists, and look at your tongue. This enables her to make a diagnosis in terms of Chinese medicine.
The treatment involves insertion of fine stainless steel needles into acupuncture points. There are points all over the body, but those in the forearm and lower leg are the most frequently used.
Another method for stimulating acupuncture points is to apply heat using a herb known as moxa. This is burnt either on the ends of the needles, or directly over the skin (in which case it is removed before you feel any discomfort).
How often you come for treatment will vary according to individual need, but people often have weekly treatments to start with, and visit less often as their condition improves.