Acupuncture Patient Information

What to Expect at Your Initial Visit

Initial acupuncture sessions are 90 minutes long and typically include the following:

1. A detailed discussion of your health history. You may be asked questions that do not seem directly related to your main concern. In East Asian medicine, the broader picture can be important when assessing patterns and planning treatment.
2. A physical assessment. This may include observation of your tongue, pulse palpation at both wrists, abdominal palpation and examination of any areas of pain or concern.
3. Treatment. You will lie on a softly padded treatment table while fine, sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are placed at selected points. Depending on your treatment, you may lie face up, face down or both, and the needles may remain in place for several minutes up to approximately 30 minutes. Moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, electroacupuncture or other techniques may also be incorporated when appropriate.
4. A discussion of recommendations and next steps. This may include treatment frequency, lifestyle or dietary suggestions, at-home exercises and, when appropriate, supplements or herbal formulas. There will also be time to ask any questions you may have.

How to Prepare

1. Please complete all new patient paperwork through the patient portal before your appointment. This helps maximize the time available for consultation and treatment during your visit.
2. Please bring any relevant lab reports or imaging results with you to your appointment. These can be reviewed and added to your medical record.
3. Set aside enough time before and after your appointment so you do not feel rushed.
4. Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. Depending on the areas being treated, you may be asked to undress to your underwear. Appropriate draping with linens is used throughout the treatment for comfort and privacy.
5. Avoid brushing or scraping your tongue on the day of your appointment, as the tongue coating may be observed as part of the traditional diagnostic process.
6. Eat a moderate meal about 1-2 hours before your appointment. Arriving very hungry or overly full may make you feel uncomfortable or lightheaded during treatment.
7. Stay normally hydrated before and after your appointment.
8. If possible, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol before your appointment, as they may affect how you feel during treatment and can make it harder to relax.

Learn more about our acupuncture services.

If you have any questions before your appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.

(619) 289-7757

info@tara-acupuncture.com