What To Expect for Your First Treatment

A lengthy interview will be done on your first visit. This gives me the opportunity to ask questions regarding various system of your body ( ie, sleep, digestion, urinary, cardio, pulmonary, mental/emotional). These questions help to paint a better picture of who you are, and allow me to see a pattern through which I can make the best treatment plan for you. 

If you are coming in for a musculoskeletal complaint, I will generally follow the questions with a physical assessment. Before the treatment starts I will also check your pulse and look at your tongue. The qualities of both the tongue and the pulse will help to confirm my diagnosis and prioritize the treatment plan. Treatments usually include various modalities including cupping, gua sha, shiatsu, and of course needling. 

Common sensations you can expect with needling may include warmth, heaviness, spreading sensation, muscle jump, tingling and/or traveling sensation. These sterile, single use, needles are generally left in the body for 15 minute increments. I will typically end the treatment by giving you some tools, or supportive information for you to implement at home.

In general acupuncturists need about 3-6 visits to know if their treatment plan is on the right track. Our job is to get you better to a point where you only need us when something comes up. Sometimes acupuncture may not be the “cure all” and that is completely normal! I am not a primary care physician, but I am trained to recognize when patients need to be referred elsewhere and to whom they should be referred. I am a huge proponent of integrative care, and hope that I can be a part of yours!

Please make sure you eat and drink plenty of water before your appointment. It is also important to keep hydrating throughout the day. If possible try to avoid drinking caffeine right before your treatment.