What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Appointment

Feeling anxious about your first acupuncture appointment?

Trying anything new can be intimidating but an acupuncture visit should be anything but stressful. In fact, most people, once they know what to expect, find that it is a very relaxing experience. So relaxing that many spend their treatment dozing off and blissing out.

Here is what you can expect at your first acupuncture appointment:

BEFORE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

  1. The day of your visit, avoid caffeine, alcohol and overly fatty foods before your session.

  2. Stay well-hydrated so you are primed to receive the benefits of acupuncture.

YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

  1. Prior to your first appointment you fill out a comprehensive health history online so we will have all of the information we need to get right to the details in your in-person consultation.

  2. Your first session is approximately 1.5 hours

  3. Your visit will include a comprehensive review of your medical history, including any diagnostic testing, blood work, symptoms, and illnesses, in addition to a full acupuncture treatment

     

DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT

Evaluation

  1. Before receiving treatment, we will ask you a series of questions about your general health, emotional state and wellness goals.

  2. We will take your pulse, examine your tongue and perform some palpation to inform a comprehensive treatment plan customized to you.

Treatment

  1. During treatment, thin, flexible and disposable acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin at varying depths to stimulate pressure points to facilitate the optimal functioning of the immune, endocrine, and nervous system.

  2. Most patients do not experience pain and report a gentle and relaxing “buzzing” sensation during the procedure as the treatment stimulates energy and blood flow throughout the body.

Removal

  1. After 30 minutes, the needles are removed.

  2. Depending on the condition, the treatment may conclude with adjunctive therapies such as cupping or gentle massage.  

Although acupuncture has a cumulative effect, it is rare that someone doesn’t feel something positive even after one session.  Often people report sleeping very well the night of the first treatment as a result of your body processing the new information being communicated via acupuncture.

Regardless of your main complaint, most patients will experience improvement in their sleep, digestion, mood, menstrual cycles and stress levels. Depending on the type of treatment, you may feel immediate relief from your symptoms, experience a calm euphoria or feel energized after treatment.

 

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS

  1. Follow up acupuncture sessions are approximately 1 hour

  2. Chinese herbal medicine may also be recommended based on your health issues and goals.

  3. Most patients receive acupuncture one to two times per week for a series of six to 10 sessions. These parameters may differ depending on the condition and constitution of each patient.

If you are local to Boston or Westwood, MA and ready to come in for your first appointment you can BOOK HERE.

We look forward to seeing you soon!