First visit
Your first visit, in order
About 75 minutes from the front desk to the door. Later visits are shorter.
- 01
Step 1: Before you come
Our front desk calls your plan and tells you what it says. If you pay without insurance, we send a written estimate.
- 02
Step 2: At the desk
You fill in a short form about your health and medicines. Bring your insurance card, or tell us you are paying yourself.
- 03
Step 3: The conversation
Your acupuncturist asks about your health and what you hope for, and looks at your tongue and pulse.
- 04
Step 4: The treatment
Needles are placed at a few points and left in for about 20 to 30 minutes while you rest. Your acupuncturist explains the risks first.
- 05
Step 5: Your plan
Before you leave, we talk about how often to come, what it costs and what to do at home.
What to wear, eat and bring
Wear
Loose clothes that roll up past the knee and the elbow. A tank top helps for shoulder work.
Eat
A light meal a couple of hours before. It is better not to come hungry or very full.
Bring
Your insurance card if you have one, and a list of everything you take, medicines and supplements included.
Ask
Write down your questions. Your acupuncturist answers every one before any needle goes in.
Tell us first
Tell us when you book, and again at the visit, if any of these apply:
- You are pregnant or might be.
- You take a blood thinner or bleed or bruise easily.
- You have a pacemaker or another implanted device.
- You have had lymph nodes removed.
- Needles worry you.
When to see a doctor first
If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, or a sudden severe headache, see a doctor or go to an emergency room before you come. In an emergency, call 911.