Acupoint Health Connection, Inc. A Total Wellness Center

Your First Visit

Please allow at least 90 minutes for your first appointment. It is recommended that you avoid alcohol consumption and that you refrain from any major physical exertion for at least 1 hour before an acupuncture treatment. Also, please do not come to your session with an empty stomach. Eat a piece of fruit, some trailmix, a granola bar, etc. to ensure that your body is not "running on empty."

For your acupuncture treatments, it is suggested that you wear, or bring with you, a sleeveless top (v-cut preferred) and gym shorts as this will often allow sufficient access to all the necessary acupoints to be needled. In some cases, however, it may be necessary for you to disrobe to your underwear and a draping sheet will be provided for your comfort in those instances. Also, please be prepared to remove all jewelry and your eyeglasses prior to your treatment.

When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment you will be asked to complete a comprehensive health intake form Link as well as to sign a general "Consent for Treatment" form Link.

The intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.

After reviewing your intake form, your practitioner will discuss it with you, asking additional questions about your current state of health, and will also ask to examine your pulse and tongue. These are two key components used in TCM for assessing a person's health condition.

The acupuncture points chosen for your treatment will depend on your condition. You may be asked to lie on the treatment table face up, face down or on your side, depending on the points needing access. The practioner will swab the points to be needled with alcohol prior to insertion. You can generally expect approximately 15-20 needles will be used in a treatment. After insertion, the needles will remain in place for approximately 20 minutes. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.

At the end of the resting period, the practitioner will remove the needles and place them into an approved bio-hazard sharps container for proper disposal as required by law. 

It is recommended that you drink plenty of water following your acupuncture treatment and, refrain from major physical exertion and alcohol consumption for at least one hour.