For Your First Acupuncture Treatment

On your first visit, there are several forms to be filled for registration, so we'd like to recommend you to arrive at least 20 minutes early to your appointment to complete the forms. For your convenience, we offer you the opportunity to download and fill out our forms prior to your initial appointment. You can bring these forms with you for your first appointment.

The initial visit usually lasts about 90 minutes and includes a comprehensive initial intake and an acupuncture treatment. We will ask about your health history, the condition(s) for which you are currently seeking treatment, and your short- and long-term goals and expectations of treatment. We will also use the TCM diagnostic techniques of observing your tongue and feeling your pulse to make a suitable Chinese medical diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan.

Follow-up visits comprise a much shorter intake and diagnosis period before treatment, and can last for 1 hour.

Registration Forms

For All Patients

Additional Registration Forms

How Should I Prepare for My Acupuncture Treatment?

Have a light meal.
Avoid alcohol, barbiturates, or tranquilizers for 4 hours prior to treatment.
Take any necessary pain pills or other medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Wear comfortable clothes that allow access to areas above the elbows and knees.
- Also keep in mind that you may need to expose your abdomen or back, depending on your condition.

What Should I Do after My Acupuncture Treatment?

Engage in normal daily activities, but avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours.
Rest for 1-2 hours if you feel sleepy or tired following your treatment.
Refrain from alcohol or other mind/mood-altering substances for 2 hours
Take any necessary pain relievers or other medications as prescribed by your doctor.
During the first 24-48 hours after an acupuncture treatment, you may feel like the condition that you were seeking relief from has worsened. This experience is very common and normal reaction, and it usually indicates the treatment is working.
- If you are concerned by such an occurrence, contact us immediately or discuss this event with your acupuncturist at your next appointment.
If you were sent home with ear seed / tags, follow your practitioner’s instructions for proper removal and disposal.
If you were prescribed herbal medicine, follow your practitioner’s instruction.
- If you experience any gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions to the herbs, contact us as soon as possible.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.

Typically, acupuncture treatments are given once a week. If the condition is acute and relatively severe, treatments may be given 2-3 times per week until the condition starts to come under control. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition, your basic level of health, and how well you respond to acupuncture. On your first visit, we will take a detailed health history and determine an appropriate treatment plan based on your signs and symptoms and the findings from that visit.