First Visit

Acupuncture is this mysterious thing that has been practiced for thousands of years in China and only a few decades here in the U.S. What is it? What’s the acupuncturist going to do? How big are the needles? What do I do while I’m there? The answers are nowhere near as mysterious as you might imagine. 

Here is a step-by-step of what happens during your first acupuncture visit and treatment:

1. When you call to schedule your appointment, you’re asked to fill out a New Patient Questionnaire. Please bring it to your first visit. This is our guide to focus our visit on what you need and how I can help. 
2. When you arrive, I’ll escort you to a treatment room with a comfortable chair and some relaxing music. We sit down and spend time talking about you, and determining any patterns of function that we can balance to alleviate your uncomfortable symptoms. 
3. I provide a Chinese medicine diagnosis and tell you how acupuncture can help with your specific condition(s).
4. We agree you’re ready for your first treatment, and the really fun part happens! 
5. Acupuncture! I use exceptionally fine needles, as thin as a hair on your head. If anything, you may feel something like a small pinch or some pressure. It goes away quickly. I might use electrical stimulation on some of the points or manually adjust them or just let the needles work their magic. Treatment usually lasts from 20-30 minutes, depending on what your body needs.
6. I remove the needles, and you’re on your way. The entire first visit takes about 75 minutes. Most people report feeling extremely relaxed and ready to go home and nap. Others feel more focused and ready to get to work. 

Most people notice changes after their first visit. I always ask that you have at least six visits before you decide if acupuncture is helping. It takes time for the body to heal itself, especially if it hasn’t been getting enough rest or exercise or nutritional foods. By the way, those are all things we can discuss during your first visit and subsequent visits. It’s my desire to help you learn how to boost your body’s healing abilities, so you feel better and stay active. 

So, stop wondering if you should try acupuncture. Just do it! Call and schedule your new patient visit with me today. 

Getting the most out of treatment

For the best treatment results, keep a few things in mind:

• Please show up on time
• Don’t eat a large meal before your visit
• Hydrate
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes
• Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your acupuncturist
• Refrain from overexertion, drugs or alcohol for at least six hours after treatment
• Follow your treatment plan between visits
• Keep all of your appointments, as each visit builds upon the previous ones

How treatment works

To treat any Qi imbalances, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific acupuncture points along the meridian pathways. Your acupuncturist will concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs, based on your unique issues and symptoms.

Your acupuncturist may include other related therapies in your treatment plan, such as cupping, Gwa Sha or moxabustion. Herbal remedies are another important aspect of acupuncture and TCM, and it is important to understand and follow your practitioner’s directions in order to get the most benefit from these treatments.

Your role in the healing process

Your actions are a key component of your treatment plan. Focusing on your health and committing to a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take for your well-being. Together, you and your acupuncturist can heal your imbalances and help you achieve harmony and balance.

Even after your symptoms are resolved, acupuncture can assist you in maintaining your health, and possibly prevent future imbalances. The more you incorporate acupuncture and TCM into your life, the more you’ll learn to nurture your body, mind and spirit.