If you're new to acupuncture, you're not alone and it's totally normal to have questions.
Maybe you're wondering...
Do I have to lay stiff as a board while the needles are in?
I'm afraid it'll hurt.
What if I'm afraid of needles?
Does acupuncture even work?
I know acupuncture can feel unfamiliar, so let's walk through it together step by step
1.
Before we begin: Intake & Conversation
For your first visit, we’ll start by getting to know you, your full story, not just your symptoms. This isn’t a rushed 10-minute check-in. We’ll talk about your health history, your current concerns, and even how you're sleeping, eating, and handling stress.
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We’ll also do a brief physical exam that includes looking at your tongue (it tells us more than you might think!) and feeling your pulse. These are very gentle, non-invasive ways we gather clues to understand what’s happening in your body.
2.
Getting Comfy: Your Treatment Setup
You’ll be invited to lie down on a cozy, heated treatment table. Think: spa meets nap time. We recommend wearing loose, comfy clothing or bringing a change of clothes, since many acupuncture points are located around your arms and legs.
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Once you're settled, we begin your treatment.
3.
During Your Session
Once the needles are in, the real magic happens. You’ll rest quietly for 20–30 minutes while your body recalibrates and restores balance. You’re welcome to close your eyes, meditate, or even take a nap (many people do!).
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And no! You don’t have to freeze in place. If you need to shift your position or scratch your nose, go right ahead. As long as you’re comfortable and relaxed, you’re doing it "right."
4.
After the Session
When your session wraps up, we’ll gently remove the needles and give you a moment to reorient. Most people report feeling deeply relaxed, clear-headed, or even a little blissed out. Others might feel energized or a bit sleepy. It all depends on your body and what it needed that day.
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We’ll talk through your treatment plan, answer any lingering questions, and recommend the ideal frequency for follow-up visits. For many, a once-weekly cadence is a good starting point.
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And while you may feel like you just took a nap, your body has actually been doing some pretty intense energy work. So, we suggest keeping things gentle for the rest of the day. Skip the HIIT workout and opt for a walk, some stretching, or a good book instead.
About the needles (Spoiler alert! They're tiny!)
This is the part that makes many people hesitant, but trust me, acupuncture needles are nothing like what you'd find in a doctor's office.
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They're incredibly thin (about the width of a hair), sterile, and designed to glide into the skin with little to no discomfort.
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Most people are surprised by how not scary this part is. You might feel a gentle sensation, like a light pinch, warmth, or tingling. Sometimes people describe it as a wave of calm washing over them or a gentle energy shift in the body.
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If anything feels sharp or uncomfortable, just let me know. Your comfort is always the priority.
Every body is different
Your response to acupuncture is uniquely yours and that’s a good thing.
Some people feel instant relief, others experience a gradual shift over time. However you respond, we’re here to support you along the way.
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Have questions the next day? Reach out, I love hearing how you’re feeling after a session.
