Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consultations offer a comprehensive and time-honored approach to health, viewing the individual as a whole — body, mind, and spirit. Among the various therapeutic practices within TCM, acupuncture is one of the most well-known and widely used in the Western world.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points. These points lie along meridians — channels through which vital energy, known as Qi (chi), flows. The goal of acupuncture is to restore balance in the energy flow, treating dysfunctions and promoting both physical and emotional well-being.

The first GOLDMED acupuncture consultation includes a thorough patient assessment. The therapist looks beyond physical symptoms to evaluate lifestyle, diet, emotional patterns, and medical history. Traditional diagnostic tools are used, such as:

• Tongue observation (shape, color, coating)

• Pulse palpation (analyzing quality in different positions)

• Evaluation of the face, eyes, and body posture

• Questions about sleep, digestion, menstruation (if applicable), and emotional state

Based on this energetic diagnosis, the therapist develops an individualized treatment plan. Acupuncture may be combined with other TCM practices such as:

• Moxibustion (warming points with mugwort)

• Cupping therapy

• Chinese herbal medicine

• Dietary therapy

• Lifestyle recommendations

During the acupuncture session, the patient lies down in a calm and relaxing environment. It’s common to feel a slight tingling, warmth, or deep relaxation. The frequency and number of sessions vary depending on the condition, but many patients experience significant improvement after 2 to 4 sessions.