What To Expect Before, During, And After Your Treatment

Before

Before your appointment, please confirm that it has been scheduled and watch for an email containing important online intake forms. Be sure to complete the health history and informed consent forms prior to your visit.

If you do not have access to a computer or are unable to complete the forms online, please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment and let me know that you will need to complete the paperwork in person.

Preparing For Your Acupuncture Appointment

  • Eat a meal or light snack about an hour before your appointment. Please do not skip meals prior to treatment.

  • Limit caffeine intake. Caffeine can increase sensitivity to pain and is not recommended before acupuncture or other treatments.

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

  •  Please do not brush your tongue on the day of your appointment. While this may sound unusual, acupuncturists use tongue and pulse diagnosis as part of the assessment process. We like to observe the tongue’s natural appearance, and brushing it can remove valuable diagnostic information. Brushing your tongue is otherwise healthy and encouraged—just skip it on the day of your visit.

  •  Silence your phone out of consideration for other patients receiving treatment in the clinic.

  • Schedule yourself a few extra moments to take some deep breaths and relax. This will allow you to move into the rest of your day without too much urgency or stress. You will thank youself later.

  • If you are planning to receive Gua Sha or cupping, please be aware that these modalities may cause temporary flushing, redness, or bruising. It can be helpful to inform family or friends ahead of time. For more information about cupping and how it works, please visit the FAQ page.

  • If you are currently receiving chemotherapy, please do not schedule cupping or Gua Sha within 48 hours before or 24 hours after your chemotherapy treatments.

During

During the first appointment, patients can expect a comprehensive review of their health history. This intake helps inform a treatment plan tailored to individual needs. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and provide honest, thorough information, as this supports an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. After the intake, patients will have time to use the restroom and get settled in the treatment room. For comfort, treatment tables are equipped with table warmers, and heat lamps or space heaters are available as needed. Room temperature can be adjusted to ensure a comfortable and restful experience.

The initial treatment may be gentle and involve fewer needles, especially for those new to acupuncture. In the beginning, less is often more. Using a lighter approach helps avoid overwhelming both the body and the patient during a first treatment, while still allowing the body to respond effectively.

When needles are inserted, sensations may include a dull ache, heaviness, or mild pulling, sometimes described as “a fish being hooked.” This response is known as De Qi and is considered a positive therapeutic sign. Some patients may also experience sensations of warmth, movement, or energy flowing during treatment.

If cupping or Gua Sha are included, patients can expect a myofascial release in the treated areas. Pressure during Gua Sha can always be adjusted to individual comfort levels. Additional modalities that may be incorporated include diet and lifestyle guidance, moxibustion (the warming of acupuncture points or body areas using burning mugwort to encourage the flow of blood and qi), and Tui Na massage. Tui Na is a form of Chinese medical massage and one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It differs from Western massage techniques and may include pushing (Tui), gentle plucking or lifting (Na), pressing (An), and rolling (Gun).

Step-By-Step: Your Acupuncture Visit

  • Intake and discussion of health concerns and treatment goals

  • Pulse and tongue diagnosis

  • Channel palpation assessment

  • Treatment planning and point selection

    • Gua Sha, Cupping, Moxibustion, or Tui Na may be incorporated relative to the diagnosis and treatment plan

  • During needle insertion, a therapeutic sensation known as De Qi may be felt

  • Rest with needles in place for up to 30 minutes

    • A physcial bell can be provided if assistance is needed during your treatment or if you wish to end the session early

  • Needles are removed

  • Ear seeds may be applied to help extend treatment benefits between sessions

  • Herbal medicine, nutritional support, dietary guidance, or lifestyle recommendations may be prescribed

After

After your appointment, you may experience an overall sense of relaxation or a decrease in pain. If you are being treated for a specific injury or pain, especially related to sports or physical activity, it’s important not to return to that activity right away, even if you feel better, to avoid re-injury. Take some time to rest and simply enjoy how your body feels.

In some cases, a “healing crisis” may occur. This can present as a temporary increase in symptoms or discomfort, followed by relief within 24–48 hours. This response is completely normal and can be a sign that the treatment is working and your body is responding.

If you receive cupping or Gua Sha, you may notice temporary flushing or redness on the skin (the word sha translates to “redness”). This response reflects increased blood flow and activity to the area and supports the body’s natural healing processes.

Aftercare Checklist

  • Reground yourself before leaving. Have some sips of water, enjoy a small snack, or take a few deep belly breaths.

  • If you received cupping or Gua Sha, avoid bathing for at least 30 minutes after your treatment, and avoid hot tubs or saunas for the rest of the day. Be sure to explain to family or friends about the temporary discoloration associated with cupping or Gua Sha therapies.

  • If you are taking herbs, make sure to read the instructions carefully and reach out immediately with any questions, concerns, or changes in symptoms.

  • Avoid intense workouts and allow your body to integrate the changes and movements that naturally occur after treatment. It is okay to exercise, but take time to check in with your body and avoid overdoing it or returning immediately to activities or sports that previously caused pain. This is essential to prevent re-injury.

  • Book another appointment! Results usually don’t come from just one session. Continuous treatments can help you achieve your goals.

“Tong Ze Bu Tong; Bu Tong Ze Tong”

(Huang Di Nei Jing, Su Wen).

"If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is pain, there is lack of free flow”

(The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, Basic Questions).

—Ancient Chinese Proverb