What to expect on your first acupuncture visit

For Adults   |    For Children

For Adults

Before the visit

 

  • Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing (pant legs that can go up over your knees and sleeves that can be pulled up over your elbows).
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages on the day of your treatment.
  • Please have eaten some food before you come. We want to avoid an empty or over full stomach.

The visit

  • Your first appointment will last one and a half to two hours.
  • In the first 15 minutes I will follow up on the information on your intake form and ask questions about your health. These questions, along with your answers, assist me to arrive at a Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis on which your treatment will be based.
  • The diagnosis will include looking at your tongue and checking the pulses on both wrists.
  • After the initial interview you will be asked to lie down. Approximately 4-10 acupuncture points will be cleaned with alcohol and I will then insert very thin, sterile, disposable needles. Usually the patient will feel little or no sensation or discomfort. A heat lamp is available if you feel cold.
  • The needles will be left in 20 - 35 minutes. During this time I will check on you once or twice. Most people find the treatment very relaxing and many meditate or sleep. Should you, however, feel any discomfort, please tell me right away and an adjustment will be made.
  • In Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs are an essential part of the treatment. If I think it would be beneficial for you, I will ask if you are interested in receiving herbs.
  • At the end of your rest the needles will be removed. I will explain how to take the herbs. I may give you dietary recommendations and will propose a treatment plan.

After the visit

  • Plan to take it easy after your treatment.
  • Sometimes after receiving an acupuncture treatment you may feel a little light headed. If that is the case, please sit for awhile in the waiting room. In a few minutes you’ll feel clear headed.
  • Herbal formulas are intended only for the person for which they are prescribed. Do not give herbal formulas to anyone else.
  • Continue prescription medication exactly as directed by your physician.
  • Very rarely, symptoms may become worse for about a day or two following an acupuncture treatment. This is often a sign that previously dormant conditions are being awakened so that healing may occur. This should pass quickly. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please feel free to call.

For children

What to expect on your child's first acupuncture visit

  • Your child’s first appointment will last 1 hour.
  • In the first 15 minutes I will follow up on the information on your child’s intake form and ask questions about her/his general health, energy, sleeping patterns, mood, appetite, digestion and any problems they may be having. These questions, along with your answers, assist me to arrive at a Traditional Chinese Medical diagnosis on which your child’s treatments will be based.
  • The diagnosis may include looking at your child’s tongue, checking the pulses on both wrists, and rubbing your child’s index fingers to note any color change. I will sometimes also use an otoscope to check the ears or a stethoscope to examine your child’s heart and lungs.
  • After the initial interview, your child may be asked to lie down and will receive a Traditional Chinese Medicine pediatric treatment, which generally includes pediatric massage (acupressure) and an herbal consultation. Occasionally, tiny pediatric acupuncture needles may be used if I feel that it would be helpful for your child. Ear seeds are sometimes used after the age of ten. Children who do not feel ready for acupuncture or any other form of treatment will never be forced.
  • In Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs are an essential part of the treatment and if I think it is beneficial for your child I will ask you if you are interested in receiving herbs for your child.
  • At the end of the treatment I will explain how to take the herbs. I may give dietary recommendations and will propose a treatment plan.
  • Because children’s conditions often change quickly, please feel free to call with any concerns.