Your First Visit: What to Expect
Before your first acupuncture session, take a few moments to reflect on your health goals.
What do you hope to achieve from treatment? Do you have any questions or concerns about acupuncture you’d like to discuss?
Setting clear and realistic expectations can help guide the process. If you have multiple concerns or symptoms, consider prioritizing them. During your initial consultation, we will focus on your primary concern (your chief complaint), while also noting any secondary issues. These can be addressed over time as treatment progresses.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Start becoming more aware of how you feel day to day. Keeping a few notes can help you communicate clearly and support a more accurate diagnosis. In relation to your main concern, try answering the following:
- When did the issue begin? Is it new or recurring?
- Do you know what triggered it?
- Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
- How does it impact your daily life — work, sleep, or routines?
- What makes it worse? What provides relief?
- Are there specific times of day when it feels better or worse?
The more detailed you are, the more effective your treatment plan can be. For example, simply describing your symptom as “pain” is too general. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, different types of pain indicate different imbalances. You might use more specific descriptions like
- Sharp
- Dull or achy
- Burning
- Stabbing
- Throbbing or pounding
- Tight or contracting
- Radiating (note the direction)
- Intermittent or constant
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness or no sensation
- Heavy or dragging
- Wandering (moves from place to place)
If none of these apply, use your own words — how it feels to you is important.
On the Day of Your Appointment
To help you get the most out of your session and minimize side effects, please follow these simple guidelines:
- Bring any notes you’ve made, along with a list of current medications and supplements.
- Eat a light meal 1–2 hours beforehand. An empty stomach may increase the chance of dizziness or nausea, while a heavy meal may cause discomfort. Avoid greasy, fried, or overly spicy foods before your session.
- Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment.
- Allow plenty of time so you’re not rushing to or from your appointment. Avoid heavy physical activity immediately before or after your session to allow your body to fully absorb the treatment.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Many acupuncture points are on the arms and legs, so it’s helpful if sleeves and pant legs can be easily rolled up.
Your Comfort Matters
Your wellbeing, safety, and comfort are our top priorities. You are welcome — and encouraged — to ask questions, share how you’re feeling, or express any concerns at any point in your care.
Please arrive on time so you can enjoy the full benefit of your session. Remember, when you book an appointment, time is set aside specifically for you. We kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. Missed appointments without notice may incur a fee.