What can I expect in a medical Qigong treatment?

You will be asked about the disease history and related information, and your pulse and tongue will be checked for diagnosis.  During the treatment, you might be guided through relaxation or certain imagery.  The practitioner might touch certain areas of your body to regulate the Qi or her hands will be over those areas without touching them.  Certain sounds may be used during the treatment.  You may feel deep relaxation, tingling all over or waves of energy.  You may see different colors, enter a near-sleep state, fall asleep, or think about your life situation and get solutions for your problems.  

Does Acupuncture hurt? And how deeply is the needle inserted?

The acupuncture needles used in the treatment are very small and thin.  Of course, they are also sterile and disposable.  The needle sensations during the treatment may vary depending on each person's sensitivity and the techniques the practitioner uses.  During the insertion, you may feel nothing.  Or if any sensation is experienced, it is often compared to a mosquito bite and disappears very quickly.  The needles may be inserted just beneath the skin or deeply into the muscles depending on the location of the problems.  Once the needles are inserted to the right depth, they may be manipulated to obtain a Qi sensation.  Often people describe the sensations as moving, tingling, heavy, numb or warming, but not a painful sensation. 

What are the risks associated with the treatment?

Medical Qigong and acupuncture treatment are very safe if the practitioner is experienced.   Acupuncture treatment may occasionally cause pain or bruising.  Many other risks related to poor practice can be avoided by seeing an experienced practitioner.  Medical Qigong treatment is very safe and nice with a practitioner who has a compassionate heart and good energy.  With medical Qigong treatment, often you will experience great improvement after each session.  Occasionally there may be temporary aggravation of some old symptoms, but at the same time you should feel some deep change and energy transformation before your body achieve a higher level of balance.  

Is medical Qigong part of acupuncture treatment? Or should I schedule them separately?
    
Medical Qigong and acupuncture are two different treatment methods.  The two can be combined to enhance each other's effect for many disorders.  Depending on the case and your sensitivity, I may suggest only acupuncture, only medical Qigong, or Qigong acupuncture which is a combination of both.  

How long does each session take?

It usually takes one hour, including the diagnosis, acupuncture and/or medical Qigong treatment, and instructions on meditation or Qigong exercises if needed.  

How soon will I feel better?

You should feel some change and improvement at the end of almost every session.  The effect will last for varying amounts of time depending on each person's particular condition.  If you do not feel better after three treatments, then further medical consultation will be advised.
 
How often should I come for treatments?
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For acute or severe conditions, it is better to come 2 or 3 times per week.
For chronic conditions, I recommend once a week.
For maintenance, once a month.

How should I prepare for the treatment?

Be sure to eat something light one or two hours before the treatment.  It is better that you are not too full or too hungry during the treatment. 
Wear loose comfortable workout clothing.

Is there anything I should do or not do after the treatment?

Drink some warm water after the treatment.
Take a nap or have a long sleep if you feel it is needed.
Do not overexert yourself.