How to prepare for your acupuncture session

How to prepare for your first visit

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practiced for centuries, but may be very different from any health care experience you have ever had. You will be asked a number of questions about your health and history that you are unfamiliar with i.e looking at your tongue and checking your pulse. That is one way we gather a holistic view of your whole person for us to create an effective wellness plan for you.

1) Complete Health History Questionnaire: Prior to your appointment, contact us so that we may email you an online link for you to complete the Health History Questionnaire. This will enable us to get to better customize an effective wellness plan for you.

2) What to Wear: Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing that is convenient for accessing areas such as the arms, legs, abdomen and back of the body during treatments. Men will need to wear underwear. Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne or scented lotions.

3) What to eat/drink:
Eat a light meal prior to your appointment to prevent any possible light-headedness or nausea.
Do not drink caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea or energy drinks) 4 hours prior to your treatment.
If you are taking pain medications, do not take it at least 4 hours prior to your visits. If it is too uncomfortable, please take it.
Do not eat anything that will change the color of your tongue, and DO NOT brush your tongue prior to your appointment. The tongue gives us valuable information on your health.

4) Before treatment:
Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to make sure all paperwork is completed.
Bring any medication, supplements or herbs that you are taking. If you have X-ray or Lab work, bring it as well.
Use the restroom as acupuncture can stimulate the bladder.

5) After treatment:
Allow time to RELAX. Refrain from strenuous exercises after your treatment. Ideally, schedule your appointment at a time you can get lots of rest after the treatment. Resting allows the physical and emotional restoration that acupuncture sets in motion to continue.
Do not eat heavy or greasy meals, use drugs or drink alcohol for 6-8 hours after your treatments.