Acupuncture Consultation

What Is an Acupuncture Consultation?

An acupuncture consultation is the foundation of personalized treatment. It gives your practitioner time to understand what brought you in, how your concerns affect your daily life and what you hope to accomplish through acupuncture.

During your initial acupuncture consultation at About Touch in Eugene, Holly Ross will review your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and wellness goals. She may also ask about areas such as sleep, stress, digestion, energy and previous injuries to develop a more complete understanding of your needs.

Because every person is different, two people seeking help for similar concerns may receive different treatment recommendations. Your consultation helps Holly create an approach tailored specifically to you rather than applying the same treatment to every patient.

New to acupuncture? Visit our complete guide to acupuncture in Eugene.

What to Expect During Your First Acupuncture Appointment

Your first acupuncture appointment is more detailed than a typical follow-up visit. It combines conversation, assessment, treatment planning and your initial acupuncture treatment.

1. A Detailed Conversation

Holly will ask what brought you in, how long you have experienced your concerns and how they affect your daily activities. You may also discuss your health history, previous injuries, stress, sleep, digestion, energy and other factors that could influence your treatment.

2. A Personalized Assessment

In addition to discussing your symptoms, Holly may use Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment methods such as observing your tongue, checking your pulse and gently examining relevant areas of the body. These observations help her understand patterns that may not be apparent from one symptom alone.

3. Your Treatment Recommendation

Holly will explain what she has learned from the consultation and recommend an individualized approach. This may include the areas she plans to address, the techniques she recommends and how frequently you may initially benefit from treatment.

4. Your First Acupuncture Treatment

Your first appointment also includes treatment. Very thin, sterile, single-use needles are placed at carefully selected acupuncture points based on your assessment. Once the needles are positioned, you will rest comfortably while the treatment takes place.

5. Follow-Up Guidance

After treatment, Holly may discuss what you noticed during the session, what you might experience afterward and when to return. Your treatment plan can be adjusted over time based on your response and progress.

Will Acupuncture Hurt During My First Visit?

Most people experience little or no discomfort during acupuncture. The needles are sterile, single-use and much thinner than the needles used for injections or blood draws.

You may notice a brief pinch, tingling, warmth, heaviness or mild pressure when a needle is placed. These sensations are generally brief, and many patients find the resting portion of treatment deeply relaxing. If you feel nervous or uncomfortable, tell Holly so she can adjust the treatment and help you feel at ease.

Learn more about what acupuncture feels like and whether it hurts.

Meet Your Acupuncture Practitioner, Holly Ross

Holly Ross is a licensed acupuncturist with more than two decades of experience practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine. She graduated from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in Santa Fe in 1996 and brings extensive clinical knowledge to every acupuncture consultation.

Holly’s approach is attentive, collaborative and highly personalized. She takes time to listen, understand the broader patterns affecting your health and explain her recommendations so you can feel comfortable and informed throughout treatment.

Education and Training

• Graduate of the International Institute of Chinese Medicine, Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Board-certified diploma in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Licensed to practice acupuncture in Oregon
• More than two decades of clinical experience

Acupuncture and Complementary Techniques

• Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture
• Balance Method acupuncture
• Korean Hand Therapy
• Chinese herbal medicine
• Cupping therapy
• Nutritional guidance

Acupuncture FAQ

We are happy to answer all your questions about acupuncture and if a treatment plan would benefit you. The following are some frequently asked questions to help guide you on your journey of discovery regarding acupuncture: