Understanding Acupuncture Sessions

If it's your first time seeking acupuncture, you most likely have a ton of questions and concerns…or don’t even know what to ask! This is normal. Most of us didn’t grow up with acupuncture or even if you did, you may not have fully understood what was happening. In my view, any good acupuncturist should be both gentle and completely open to all your questions.

Here’s a brief overview of what to expect before, during, and after an acupuncture session so you can feel more comfortable finding the practitioner that’s right for you.

What to Expect

Preparing for Your Visit

  • Eat a light snack before treatment. It is best not to be hungry or full.

    • Why? Acupuncture moves energy and stimulates bloodflow so we don’t want you to get lightheaded. If you’ve forgotten to eat beforehand or just came from a meal, let your acupuncturist know so they can adjust accordingly.

  • Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

    • Some patients choose to bring shorts or loose pants to change into (skinny jeans are chic, but incompatible with treatment). Treatments are conducted with clothing on, but acupuncturists do not needle through clothing. So unless we need access to a specific area (upper arms, stomach, back and shoulders, hips), if your clothing is easily adjustable you should not need to disrobe. As with a massage, we often use sheets, towels, and/or blankets for privacy and warmth.

  • New patient appointments in a private practice generally last 90 minutes, roughly 30 minutes for discussion and 60 minutes for treatment.

During Your Appointment

  • Discussion: The emphasis of your first appointment is on understanding your health history, assessing your present condition(s), and setting goals for your care. We may discuss nutrition, lifestyle, stress, exercise, sleep, and lab work.

  • Physical diagnosis: Your acupuncturist will take your pulse and may look at your tongue or palpate your abdomen to help diagnose your pattern of imbalance and determine the best treatment.

  • Tailored treatment: includes acupuncture and contact needling (needles that do not penetrate the skin). Inserted needles are hair-thin, sterile, and single-use/ disposable. You may feel a slight pinch at insertion, but thereafter you may feel nothing or a slight heavy or sore muscle feeling. If it is ever uncomfortable or painful or you're not sure if it's a sensation you should have, ask your practitioner and we'll adjust as necessary.

  • In many cases, moxibustion is a helpful addition to treatment. It feels warm and pleasant. Additional hands-on therapies such as massage, cupping, or guasha may be beneficial.

  • There is plenty of time to discuss your questions and no modalities will be used without your understanding and permission.

  • While you rest, we’ll check your pulse to monitor treatment. You may fall asleep or just focus on your breathing and feel calmer and/or more focused.

  • We often cool down as we lie still so in addition to covering you up with a light sheet or blankets, we can often heat the table to your preferred temperature or may use a heat lamp to keep your feet or abdomen warm. Acupuncturists live to keep you cozy!

  • Depending on your needs and based on discussion together, you may be prescribed herbs or supplements, which are usually the only additional charge to your services. Some acupuncturists may charge separately for cupping or moxibustion so ask if that’s the case before your visit.

  • At the end of your first visit, your practitioner will have an initial plan for you to reach your goals including how many sessions and how frequently to schedule them as well as the opportunities you have to provide new information and check in on progress.

After Acupuncture

  • Most people feel relaxed during and after an acupuncture treatment.

  • Hydrate. Your body is working and it needs the assistance so drink more water than usual.

  • It's better not to drink alcohol or engage in vigorous physical activity after a treatment.

  • If you have any questions, observations, or concerns, please contact your practitioner.

Still Curious?

““I had my first acupuncture session ever yesterday, and I’m so glad it was with Shawna. She explained her approach to acupuncture, and also was patient with my many questions (anything related to needles makes me nervous, so her patience and clear answers made me feel less anxious). Her simple but thorough explanations made me even more curious about acupuncture and its underlying theories of meridian points, healing and energy. Definitely making these sessions regular/weekly.” – C.B.”