Initial 90 minutes session

When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment, you will be asked to sign consent forms and complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history.

These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.

Your area of complaint or relevant areas of the body may be palpated for a more detailed understanding of the underlying issue, and your pulse and tongue may be examined. Most treatments take place lying down either face up or face down on a massage table. 

It is highly advised that you fill out the new patient intake forms before coming to the clinic. This allows us to start the consultation right away. If you do not have time to do so, we request you to arrive at the clinic 15 minutes prior to the appointment time. 

do not overbook yourself on the day

Make sure that when you are scheduling your acupuncture appointment that you are not engaged in too stressful an activity before or afterward. Exercise is fine -- but be gentle. If you're a runner, try walking on the day you have acupuncture. Low impact activities such as Yoga, Tai-chi, meditation classes may be ideal.

Eat Before Your Appointment

Most experts recommend that you eat something approximately two hours prior to your treatment. However, make sure this isn’t a big meal, as this may cause you to feel uncomfortable during your appointment. You risk feeling lightheaded if you go to your appointment on an empty stomach.

Loose-Fitting, Comfortable Clothing

It is better to wear or bring loose-fitting clothes on the day of your appointment. This will make it easier for the acupuncturist to place the needles in the right places.

Avoid Caffeine Before the session

Better not to drink coffee for at least two hours before your session. Because it is a stimulant, coffee increases your body’s fight-or-flight response, something which acupuncture seeks to lessen.