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How is it performed? of Acupuncture
When you go for treatment, the acupuncturist will ask you about your health and medical history. You may also be asked general questions about your lifestyle, and you will need to explain more about the pain or symptoms you are feeling. The acupuncturist will then look at your tongue. The appearance of the tongue can show what is happening inside the body. For example, a white coating on the tongue indicates too much heat, and a yellow coating indicates too much moisture.
The acupuncturist will also feel your pulses. According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are six pulses in each wrist, which make up the 12 meridians in the body.
Once the acupuncturist has diagnosed which meridians are out of balance, they can decide which acupuncture points (acupoints) to treat. There are around 500 acupoints altogether, from which the acupuncturist will probably choose between two and 20 to needle in any one treatment. You will need to remove any clothing covering the acupoints, and lie down on a bed or couch for treatment.
Very fine needles are inserted into the acupoints, and generally only cause a slight prickling sensation. However, if you feel any pain, you should tell the acupuncturist so that they can adjust the position of the needles. The needles may be left in place for just a few seconds, or for as long as an hour. Most sessions last for 20-30 minutes, after which time the needles are quickly and gently removed.
