What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Visit

Before Your Visit - How to Prepare

What to Bring:

✓ List of current medications and supplements
✓ Medical history and recent test results
✓ Details about your main health concerns
✓ Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
✓ Payment method (cash, card, or insurance details)

What to Eat and Avoid

Eat a light meal: Don't come on an empty stomach, but avoid large meals 2 hours before treatment
Stay hydrated: Drink water normally, but avoid excessive amounts just before your appointment
Limit alcohol: Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment
Reduce caffeine: Try to limit caffeine intake on the day of treatment

Your Initial Consultation Process

Your first visit with Mrs Chen will typically take 60-90 minutes and includes several important steps:

1. Health History Discussion (20-30 minutes)

Mrs Chen will ask detailed questions about:

Your main health concerns and symptoms
How long you've had these issues
What makes your symptoms better or worse
Your medical history and current medications
Lifestyle factors (sleep, diet, stress, exercise)
Previous treatments you've tried

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine Assessment

Mrs Chen will perform several TCM diagnostic techniques:

TCM Diagnostic Methods:

Tongue Examination: Color, coating, and shape provide important health information
Pulse Taking: Feeling different pulse qualities at your wrists
Visual Observation: Looking at your complexion, posture, and general appearance
Palpation: Feeling specific acupuncture points or areas of concern

3. Treatment Plan Discussion

Based on the consultation and examination, Mrs Chen will:

Explain your condition from a TCM perspective
Discuss how acupuncture can help your specific issues
Recommend a treatment plan including number and frequency of sessions
Explain any lifestyle changes that might be beneficial
Answer all your questions about the treatment process

Your First Acupuncture Treatment

Getting Ready for Treatment

You'll be given privacy to remove necessary clothing
Modesty is always maintained with appropriate draping
You'll lie comfortably on a treatment table
The room will be quiet and relaxing

Needle Insertion Process

Most first-time patients are surprised by how gentle acupuncture is:

What You'll Experience:

✓ Needles are extremely thin (much thinner than injection needles)
✓ Most people feel little to no pain during insertion
✓ You might feel a mild tingling, warmth, or heaviness
✓ These sensations mean the treatment is working
✓ Most patients find the experience very relaxing

During Treatment

Needles typically stay in place for 20-30 minutes
You'll rest quietly while the needles work
Many patients fall asleep during treatment
Mrs Chen may adjust needles during the session
You can ask for adjustments if anything feels uncomfortable

After Your First Treatment

Immediate Effects

After your first acupuncture session, you might experience:

Relaxation: Feeling calm and peaceful
Mild fatigue: Your body's natural healing response
Improved mood: Many people feel emotionally lighter
Better sleep: Often improved on the night of treatment
Symptom changes: Your condition may start to improve gradually

Post-Treatment Care

What to Do After Treatment:

Drink plenty of water to help with healing
Avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours
Pay attention to how you feel over the next few days
Follow any specific advice Mrs Chen gives you
Schedule your next appointment as recommended

Common First-Time Questions

Will it hurt?

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable acupuncture is. The needles are extremely thin, and most people feel minimal discomfort.

How will I feel afterward?

Most people feel relaxed and peaceful. Some may experience mild fatigue as the body begins its healing process.

When will I see results?

Some people notice improvements immediately, while others need several treatments. Mrs Chen will discuss realistic timelines based on your specific condition.

Is it safe?

When performed by a qualified practitioner like Mrs Chen, acupuncture is extremely safe. All needles are sterile and disposable.