This article reprinted from Edmonton's Mosaic magazine, reflects the experience of just one of the many patients who have found relief for their conditions through treatment by Ms. Strong.  It answers many common questions about acupuncture,  and what you - as a patient - can expect when you visit our clinic.

(Part 2 of 5)

How does acupuncture work?

In modern times, we are more familiar with road systems than with waterways. Driving from home to work, we know just how much time it takes, and as long as everyone is paying attention to the road, their cars are in good condition, the roads are maintained and visibility is good, we get to work on time.

 However, should ideal conditions not exist, an accident or blockage occurs, traffic gets backed up behind the accident, traffic flow ceases ahead of the blockage, people on the other side of the road rubber-neck. When the police arrive they clear things up, restoring proper traffic flow. Consider that the roads are like channels in our bodies, the cars move along the roads just as qi (the energy in our bodies) moves along the channels, what happens on one road affects other roads just as with channels, and the police clear road blockages just as acupuncture is used to clear channel blockages.

Once the proper flow of qi (the energy in our bodies) is restored, the body's healing response can eliminate most symptoms and in time, with appropriate lifestyle habits, overcome all disease. As modern life makes maintaining proper diet, exercise and other habits very difficult, acupuncture can be used as a tune-up at change of seasons, just as we maintain our cars with tune-ups and oil changes.

Your initial consultation

During an initial consultation and first treatment with a doctor of acupuncture, you can expect to answer questions about your main problem and any other concerns you may want help with, as well as extensive questions about your body's functioning.

If you use prescription drugs, please bring a list of what you take. Your pulses will be felt (there are six on each wrist, each of which can exhibit any of 28 different qualities).

Your doctor of acupuncture will want to see your tongue and tongue coat, so if you are in the habit of brushing, please do not brush your tongue for a few days before your first traditional Chinese medical appointment.

Your pulses, tongue and tongue coat yields a great deal of information about your internal functioning. Palpation along channels or at acupoints may be done. Your fingernails and outer ears may be examined. If you have been injured, you may be asked to move the joint(s) involved to determine restrictions in movement.

All of this information will contribute to an accurate diagnosis according to traditional Chinese medicine, and an appropriate treatment plan.