Are you new to acupuncture and not sure what to expect on your first visit? In this post I will do my best to walk you through the types of things we will do on your initial visit. For some, working with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, is a new experience. I will make sure to include some suggestions so you can make the most of your acupuncture treatment.
Your First Visit & Initial Consultation
Your initial appointment will last about 90 minutes and I always recommend that you arrive having just eaten a light snack. It helps to not have an empty stomach nor to be completely full. Plan a bit of a time-buffer AFTER your treatment in order to ease back into your day.
First 30 Minutes – During the first half hour you and I will review your health history and have you tell me about the most pressing issues – typically the ones that bring you in the door in the first place. You can expect me to look at your tongue, check the pulse on both wrists and discuss things like medications, allergies, and stress factors in your life.By taking this time together, I am better able to understand where you are and thereby present a treatment plan that addresses the issues most important to you.
Acupuncture Treatment – Once we have had a chance to talk, I will ask you to lie down (you may remain fully clothed) and I will identify 4-12 acupuncture points into which I will place hair-fine, sterile, one-use acupuncture needles. There is typically zero pain associated with the placement as they do not penetrate far past the surface of the skin. These needles are disposable and used only once. Heat lamps are used in the event you are cold. The idea is for you to be comfortable and relaxed during the entire process.
Rest & Relaxation – From here on, it is all about relaxation. The needles, which at this point cannot be felt, are simply left as you close your eyes and enjoy silence or music for 20 to 35 minutes. I will check on you on occasion, perhaps once or twice, however, most people find the treatment so relaxing that they slip into meditation or simply fall asleep altogether.
If there is any discomfort, simply let me know and I will immediately remove the needle or see to it that you are made comfortable in some other way. At the end of your treatment, the needles are removed and we can either talk a bit about your experience and address any questions you have, or if you are too relaxed, you may opt to pick up the conversation at your next appointment.
After Your First Appointment
Plan to take it easy after your treatment. Immediately after your first appointment or subsequent acupuncture treatment, you may feel slightly light-headed. If this occurs, you are welcome to sit in the waiting room for period of time. You are always encouraged to wait until you feel alert and clear-headed before you leave. There is no rush.
On rare occasion, after an acupuncture treatment, symptoms may become worse before they become better. This can be a sign that dormant conditions are being awakened so that healing can occur. Any such symptoms should quickly abate. If you have any questions or concerns after an acupuncture treatment, please remember you can always call me directly at (408) 578-0106.
Schedule An Appointment
MAIN OFFICE – Los Gatos/San Jose
SATELLITE OFFICE – El Dorado Hills
CALL – 408-835-7870
Or Message Valley Acupuncture via our Contact Page
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