What can you expect during your acupuncture treatment? 

To watch a video of Licensed Acupuncturist Laurie Mecham demonstrating the ease and gentleness of acupuncture click here.  

On your first visit to the acupuncture clinic, Laurie Mecham will begin with an in-depth conversation about your health concerns, past health history, lifestyle, goals for treatment, and any questions you may have about the treatment process. This conversation is an important part of the diagnostic process, and allows an acupuncturist to get to know you and understand how best to address your health concerns.

Depending upon your specific health concerns, Laurie Mecham may use aspects of physical examination, most often palpation (examination by touch) to help understand your condition. For example if you experience shoulder pain, your acupuncturist will palpate your shoulders and back to understand the location and nature of your pain. Your acupuncturist may also palpate along the energy channels in your body in order to select the most effective acupuncture points for your treatment.

Your acupuncturist will ask to look at your tongue —the structure, color, and coating of your tongue provides information about your physical health.

Your acupuncturist will spend some time feeling your pulse. Chinese medical pulse palpitation is different than western medical pulse-taking (which focuses almost exclusively on the heart rate). Your pulse will be palpated in six different positions—three on each wrist. each position provides information about different aspects of your health and the causes for your symptoms.

For the treatment, you may need to disrobe.  Gowns and linens are available and heating lamps are easily accessible so that you will be comfortable.  

Laurie Mecham's treatments can vary greatly, depending upon your individual needs and considerations.  You may first lie on your stomach and be treated on the back of your body.  Then you will lie on your back to allow treatment from the front.     

Once acupuncture needles have been inserted into appropriate points, most people look forward to this opportunity to rest and relax.

 In addition to acupunture, your treatment may include acupressure or tuina (a deep form of massage over acupuncture points), and cupping (the use of light suction over acupuncture points).  

Following the treatment, Laurie may retake your pulse to discern any changes.  She will offer any lifestyle and dietary recommendations that will improve your condition and may prescribe Chinese herbs that will continue your healing after the treatment is ended.

The duration of your treatment will vary depending on your condition.  A visit could last 50 minutes to a bit more than an hour.

Follow-up visits

Some conditions will require follow up visits.  They also begin with a conversation, physical examination, and tongue and pulse palpation, focusing primarily on progress and changes in your condition as well as any new concerns.

Your individual needs determine how often, and for how long, you will need to receive acupuncture (generally given once, occasionally twice, a week). As your condition improves, and your symptoms are alleviated, the frequency of your acupuncture treatments may be slowly reduced – to every other week, monthly or even seasonally.  

Do you have any questions? 

Laurie's clinic is located at the Barn at Lucerne in Ballwin Missouri, Greater St. Louis County (West County).  You can call us at any time.  We would be happy to help you.

636-527-9188

 You may also email Laurie directly if you would like to book an appointment.  lauriemecham@att.net.