Your First Visit

An appointment with your acupuncturist is like a visit to the doctor—plus a 20 minute 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 with needles retained.

  • 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.