First visit
Your first visit, in order
About 60 minutes. Later visits are shorter.
- 01
Step 1: Welcome and paperwork
The front desk has already checked what pays, so this is signing and questions, not a surprise.
- 02
Step 2: A talk
Your acupuncturist asks about your pain, your work, your sleep and everything you take.
- 03
Step 3: A look
How you move, and your tongue and pulse. A pattern assessment, not a medical diagnosis.
- 04
Step 4: Needles, or cups
Your acupuncturist explains what they plan and the risks, and you agree before any needle goes in.
- 05
Step 5: A plan
A suggested plan for the next few visits, reviewed with you each time. It is not a promise of a result.
Before you come
What to wear, eat and bring
Wear
Loose clothes that roll up above the elbow and the knee. We cover you with a sheet or blanket.
Eat
A light meal in the hours before. Do not come hungry, and skip a large meal right before.
Bring
Bring us a list of everything you take, medicines and supplements. Also a photo ID, your health plan card and your claim number, if you have them.
Plan to arrive
A few minutes early. The suite has a step-free entrance and an elevator.
Before we begin
Tell us first
Any of these changes what we do.
You are or might be pregnant
Some points are avoided in pregnancy. We may suggest you check with your prenatal provider first.
You take a blood thinner or bleed easily
Needles and cups can bruise more. Your acupuncturist adjusts what they do, or waits for your doctor's word.
You have had lymph nodes removed
Tell us which side. We keep needles out of that arm or leg.
Needles worry you
Say so. We can start with fewer needles, or with none, and go at your pace.
You have a pacemaker
We do not use electroacupuncture with a pacemaker or another implanted device.
You faint easily
We keep you lying down and can keep the first visit short.
Book your first visit
Tell us if it follows a crash or a work injury, and we will check what pays.