# Acupuncture Clinic of Missoula

Gentle & effective health care for the entire family

## Treatment

We use acupuncture and other forms of Oriental medicine, including Chinese herbs and moxibustion (a localized heat treatment). This form of treatment has been proven effective for many conditions, from asthma to women’s (gynecological) issues.

All treatment begins with a proper diagnosis, which takes place during your first visit. We spend a generous amount of time getting a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. We examine the condition of your tongue (is it cracked, coated, excessively pale or red, etc.), and check your pulse on both wrists (the quality of your pulse gives information about possible imbalances). We’ll also ask questions about your emotional state, your digestion, injury history, and specific symptoms you may have. This information gives us a picture of you as a whole, so that instead of merely focusing on the symptoms of your condition, we can more successfully treat the underlying causes of those symptoms.

The first visit can last from an hour and a half to two hours, including intake, interview and treatment. Your subsequent visits will be much faster - usually an hour long. We’ll make a short review of your progress followed by an acupuncture treatment.

If it’s warranted, we also prescribe an herbal formula. Herbs are nearly always prescribed in a balanced formula, where different herbs have supporting effects. Thousands of years of use and research have shown that this is far more effective than large doses of a single substance.

Typically acupuncture treatments are given once a week. If the condition is acute and/or painful, treatments may be given 2-3 times per week until the condition starts to come under control. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition, your basic level of health, and how quickly you respond to acupuncture.