WHAT TO EXPECT
PREPARING FOR YOUR TREATMENT
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The best way to prepare is to eat a snack or a light meal before treatment so that your body has sufficient energy to work with.
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Please eat 1-2 hours before you treatment. It’s best if you do not come to your appointment on an empty or overly full stomach.
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Wear loose clothing so that your arms and legs are accessible for treatment. Depending on the condition being treated, clothing may need to be removed to reach important acupuncture points.
DURING YOUR TREATMENT
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Your first appointment will generally last about 90 minutes.
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You can arrive approximately 10 minutes early to ensure full treatment time.
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Before your first treatment starts, you will be taken into the treatment room for your consultation. This consultation will last around 20-30 minutes and will consist of general health questions, what brings you in, and a brief physical exam.
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In addition to your paperwork and consultation, the practitioner will also examine your tongue and feel your pulse in both wrists in order to arrive at a traditional Chinese medical diagnosis.
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After the initial consultation, you will be asked to remove your shoes and socks and lie down. Depending on the area to receive treatment, you may be asked to remove other articles of clothing. For your comfort and convenience, clean sheets, blankets and towels will be available for draping and modesty purposes.
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After you are comfortable and the points are decided, very thin, sterile, disposable needles will be inserted. Although some points are more sensitive than others, you will usually feel little to no sensation or discomfort. A heat lamp is available should you feel cold during your treatment.
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The needles will be left in for approximately 20-35 minutes. During this time you will be checked on.
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Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing; however, should you experience any pain or discomfort, please alert me right away so adjustments can be made. This is your time and if you can't relax, it is harder to heal.
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If thought to be beneficial to your treatment, we will discuss recommendations for other modalities like moxa, cupping or adding traditional Chinese herbs, dietary and/or exercise changes as part of the suggested treatment plan.
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
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Plan to take it easy after your treatment.
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Sometimes after receiving an acupuncture treatment you may feel a little lightheaded or “woozy.” If that is the case, please sit for a while in our waiting area. In a few minutes, you’ll be relaxed and clear-headed.
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Very rarely, symptoms may become worse after an acupuncture treatment, this is often called a "healing crisis" and is considered normal. It is similar to being sore 24 hours after a workout. This is often a sign that previously dormant conditions are being awakened so that complete healing may occur. This should resolve within a day. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.