What To Expect During Your Visit

An appointment with your acupuncturist is like a visit to the doctor—plus a nap!

To reduce paper waste, I’ll email you the new patient registration forms ahead of time. The forms ask about different body systems because, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), everything is connected! If it feels overwhelming, don’t worry—just be sure to fill out your chief complaint and the symptoms you’re experiencing.

During your appointment, we’ll discuss your main concerns and any associated symptoms. We’ll also review your health history to identify any patterns or connections to your current complaint. I’ll examine your pulses and tongue, as these provide important diagnostic insights in TCM.

The intake process takes about 10–20 minutes during your first visit and half that time during follow-ups. After the intake, we’ll proceed with your treatment, which may include acupuncture and/or cupping.

Timeline of Your Visit:

• 5–15 minutes: Intake and needle insertion.

• 20-30 minutes: Rest and relax.

• 5–10 minutes: Needle removal, check-out, and rescheduling.

Rest and enjoy the rest of your day afterward!

What to Wear:
Please wear comfortable clothing that can be rolled up to the elbows and knees. You’re also welcome to bring shorts or a tank top for added comfort.

Before and After Your Appointment:
Have a light snack beforehand—avoid heavy meals or an empty stomach. After your appointment, take it easy! While you’ll likely feel great afterward, overexertion can cause a flare-up.

Frequency Asked Questions

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture addresses a wide range of health concerns, including:

• Digestion: Nausea, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, infrequent bowel movements.

• Sleep: Insomnia, hypersomnia, frequent waking, vivid or heavy dreams.

• Emotions: Stress, anxiety, frustration, grief, and emotional imbalance.

• Hormonal Health: PMS, irregular periods, menopause symptoms, hot flashes, and fatigue.

• Seasonal Changes: Support for colds, flu, and allergies.

• Palliative Care: Relief for individuals undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.

• Detox Support: Assistance with smoking and drinking cessation.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner. At Qi Time, we use sterile, single-use, stainless steel needles, ensuring the highest standard of hygiene. Each needle is disposed of immediately after use in compliance with safety regulations.

What Does Acupuncture Actually Do?

Acupuncture helps your body restore balance and promotes healing by:

• Stimulating the Nervous System: Acupuncture signals your body to release natural chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and other hormones that help reduce pain, improve mood, and enhance your body’s natural healing process.

• Regulating Energy Flow (Qi): Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works to balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) through pathways in the body, supporting overall health and vitality.

• Improving Circulation: The insertion of needles can increase blood flow to specific areas, delivering nutrients and oxygen while helping to reduce inflammation.

• Normalizing Physiological Functions: Acupuncture can reset imbalances in the body, aiding systems such as digestion, immunity, and hormonal regulation.

Does It Hurt?

Most people experience minimal discomfort when a needle is inserted. The sensation is typically brief and mild, and many find the treatment deeply relaxing.

Acupuncture should not cause sharp, stabbing, or electric-like pain.

If you ever feel discomfort during your session, I encourage you to let me know so adjustments can be made.

What Does It Feel Like?

The sensation of acupuncture, often referred to as "de qi" or "arrival of qi," varies from person to person and even from point to point. Common sensations include:

• A gentle pulsing or tingling.

• Warmth or coolness at the needle site.

• A sense of heaviness or pressure.

• Occasionally, sensations in other parts of the body, even where no needles are placed.

These feelings indicate that your body is responding to the treatment and adjusting to promote balance and healing.

What is Moxa?

Moxa involves burning dried mugwort near the skin or on acupuncture points to warm the body and promote healing. The gentle heat improves circulation, stimulates the flow of energy (Qi), and helps reduce pain and stiffness. Moxa is often used to strengthen the immune system, support digestive health, and relieve symptoms of cold, fatigue, or menstrual discomfort.

What is Cupping and Why Does it Leave Marks?

Cupping involves using suction to lift the skin and underlying tissues, promoting blood flow and reducing muscle tension. The therapy helps alleviate pain, improve mobility, and speed up recovery by drawing out stagnation and increasing circulation. Cupping can also support detoxification, relieve stress, and enhance overall well-being.

The marks left by cupping occur because the suction draws blood, oxygen, and other fluids to the surface of the skin. This process helps release stagnation and improve circulation in the treated area. The color and intensity of the marks vary depending on the individual’s condition, with darker marks often indicating areas of greater stagnation or tension. These marks are not bruises and typically fade within a few days to a week.

How Long Will It Take to Feel Better?

Acupuncture works best with a series of treatments.

• A typical course is 6-12 sessions, but this may vary based on your condition.

• Chronic or long-term issues (like pain that’s persisted for years) may require more time to see significant improvement.

• Remember, acupuncture is not a “one-and-done” therapy; it builds results over time.