Trying acupuncture for the first time can bring up a lot of questions.
What should I wear? Does it hurt? What actually happens during the appointment?
Your first visit is usually about 60–75 minutes. That gives us time to talk through what’s going on, do an assessment, answer your questions and still leave time for treatment.
Before you come in
Have something to eat before your appointment. You don’t need a big meal, but I don’t recommend arriving on a completely empty stomach. A light meal or snack beforehand is fine — even if you ate 20 minutes before your appointment.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing if you can. Pants that can roll comfortably above the knee are especially helpful.
If you’re coming from work, forgot, or your clothing doesn’t give us enough access, that’s okay. I can use sheets to drape you as needed. If there’s anywhere you don’t want treated, just let me know and I’ll adapt.
Please complete your intake and consent forms beforehand if possible. That gives me a chance to review your health history before you arrive. If you have a medication list, relevant imaging or medical reports, bring those along too.
And try to arrive a few minutes early so we don’t lose treatment time.
What happens when you arrive?
We’ll start by talking about what brought you in.
I’ll ask about the main issue, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and anything else in your health history that may be relevant. Depending on what’s going on, I may also ask about things like sleep, digestion, stress, energy or previous injuries.
I also use tongue and pulse diagnosis as part of my Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment.
I try to explain what I’m seeing in plain language. If you’re interested in the TCM side of things, I’m happy to get into the weeds. If not, I’ll keep it simple.
Then we make a treatment plan
Before we start, I’ll explain what I found and roughly where I’m planning to place the needles.
I may use points near the problem area, points elsewhere on the body, or a combination of both.
Depending on what we’re treating, I may also use cupping, electroacupuncture, heat or ear seeds. I choose the techniques based on what seems most useful for you that day.
What do the needles feel like?
You may feel a quick pinch when a needle goes in, followed by sensations such as heaviness, pressure, tingling, warmth, a dull ache or occasionally a muscle twitch.
If something feels sharp, burning or uncomfortable and doesn’t settle, tell me. I can adjust the needle or remove it.
You don’t need to tough out an uncomfortable needle.
If you’re nervous about needles, that’s completely okay. I tell nervous patients that you’re the boss. If you want me to slow down, adjust something or stop, just let me know.
During and after treatment
Once the needles are comfortable, you get to relax. On a first visit, I generally aim for at least 20 minutes of needle retention.
Some people feel very relaxed afterward, some feel energized, and others simply feel normal. If we did more targeted muscular needling, you may occasionally feel some soreness for a day or two.
Afterward, I generally recommend staying hydrated, eating something nourishing, keeping activity fairly gentle and avoiding a hard workout right away. I also suggest staying warm if the weather is cold or harsh.
Will I notice a difference after the first treatment?
Maybe, but not everyone does.
Some people notice less tension, easier movement, better sleep or simply feel more relaxed after the first visit. Others need a few treatments before they notice a clearer change.
Acupuncture is usually not a one-and-done treatment.
Early on, I may recommend once or twice a week so the treatments can build some momentum. As things improve, we gradually spread the appointments out.
The goal is to need treatment less often as you improve.
Ready to get started?
If you’re ready to try acupuncture, you can book an initial acupuncture assessment and treatment.
If you still have questions or you’re nervous about needles, you can also book a free 15-minute discovery consultation first.