So you heard that acupuncture can help you with stress, pain, digestion, regulating your period, and a number of ailments or preventative measures. Maybe you found a local clinic and made a booking for your first acupuncture session. If you've been dealing with symptoms of something for a while, just booking an appointment can bring a lot of relief, knowing that you're on track to taking action about your situation. But what actually happens at the appointment?
Some people won't think much of it until the appointment rolls around, but others will feel a bit apprehensive, or even downright scared. Knowing a little bit about what to expect from acupuncture can help ease your nerves a bit and allow you to feel prepared, and even excited, for a new experience.
All clinics operate a little bit differently in terms of the general flow, and individual practitioners vary greatly in their areas of specialty and style of treatment and bedside manner. But there are some general things you can likely expect wherever you go:
1. The intake and consent form
When you book your first acupuncture appointment you will likely be asked to fill out a form asking about you and the nature of your reasons for seeking treatment. This might be send to you digitally, or you may get a hard copy on a clipboard when you first arrive. You may be asked for a very brief explanation of why you'd like to try acupuncture, or you may find yourself answering a number of detailed questions about your diet, lifestyle, medical history, familial medical history, medications, supplements, sleep, mindset etc.
Some of the questions may feel extremely personal and revealing, and it's up to you how much detail you provide. The more open and honest you can be, the better your practitioner can assist you. That said, you can always choose to discuss very personal matters in person once you actually meet your acupuncturist and see how comfortable you feel with them.
2. How to prepare: what to wear, eat, do before and after acupuncture
While people come to appointments in all states, after work, without breakfast, before going to the gym etc., there are some things you can do that will make your first acupuncture appointment go smoothly. If you're able to wear some comfortable clothing, that helps a lot! If you have comfy pants or bottoms that are easy to push up over the knee, and sleeves that can be pushed over the elbow, and a neckline that isn't too high, it might mean that you can keep everything on and easily have all needed points accessed. Of course, you never have to remove clothing if you don't want to, but if you do, your acupuncturist will always drape you and make sure you're covered. They should always let you know if they need to access more sensitive areas and you can consent to it or not.
Having a light meal in the hour beforehand is also a great idea. You don't want to be too full and uncomfortable, but having something in your stomach keeps you grounded and allows your body to take in the treatment. Especially anyone who is a little squeamish with needles will do better with a nutritious meal in their bellies.
It's also wonderful if you can plan to not have any strenuous activities directly before or after. If your body can be in a more relaxed state, it will take in the treatment effects more readily without expending energy on the next task, or recovering from the one before it.
If you can't control any of these variables though, don't worry about it. Your acupuncturist will make sure the treatment is suitable for you on the day you come in, so let them know where you're at.
3. The Intake and Diagnosis
When the session starts, you almost certainly won't receive acupuncture needles immediately. Usually you will sit down with your practitioner and they will ask you some questions, similar to what you may have answered on your intake form, but likely in more detail and with follow-up questions. These questions could be on anything from whether you get hot at night, to how many bowel movements you have per day, to the nature and quantity of your dreams. Again, being as honest as you can will allow your physician to make the best diagnosis and plan the appropriate treatment.
Luckily, Chinese Medicine doesn't rely entirely on the patient's testimony. In fact, some practitioners don't ask many questions at all. Much of the diagnosis is based on observational techniques. The two most common techniques used are tongue and pulse diagnosis. You may be asked to stick out your tongue a few times as they examine it. Some will even shine a flashlight into your mouth! While this seems very strange and awkward, your practitioner will not think it is weird at all and you needn't feel embarrassed by anything they find. In fact, the colour, shape, size and coating of your tongue will give them lots of information about the internal state of your body and it's organs and functions and will help guide the treatment plan.
The pulse diagnosis will involve them placing fingers on your wrist and pressing or moving their fingers, or holding still. Some practitioners will take pulses for several minutes. This does not just measure the rate of your heart but gives a lot of information about the entire body and nervous system. They may be able to pick things up that you hadn't mentioned or weren't even aware of. This is also a nice time for the patient to tune in and take a quiet moment.
There are other methods of diagnosis that could involve palpation of your stomach or the channels along your limbs, or testing of muscles and range of motion.
4. The acupuncture treatment
When it's time for the treatment you will be asked to lay on the treatment table. This could be on your back on your front, and in some cases (like pregnancy) on your side. The needling then begins. You may feel your practitioner pressing on certain areas, finding the right place, and then inserting the needle. Some practitioners place the needle directly in, others use a plastic guide tube which you will feel pressing your skin as the needle is swiftly inserted. The needles used in acupuncture are very small and thin in most cases and are designed to glide through your tissue usually without any pain. It's very different to hypodermic needles used when you get an injection or blood draw as those are much larger and designed to cut through flesh.
When acupuncture needles are put in, some people don't feel them at all. Sometimes you will feel a dull sensation or even an ache, or maybe some warmth. It depends on what is being treated and the technique used. You can let your practitioner know how you feel and they will likely check in and make sure nothing is uncomfortable.
After the needles are inserted you will most likely be left to rest alone for 10-30 minutes. This is a great time to just be. If you can, allow yourself to melt into the moment, and let your thoughts be simple objects in your awareness, rather than the key players in your experience. Some practitioners will leave you a buzzer to call them if needed, others will just come check on you from time to time. Many patients fall asleep during this time, while others just enjoy a quiet rest.
5. Other techniques used
When you go to a Chinese Medicine practitioner for acupuncture, they may also employ some other modalities depending on the nature of your concern. This may mean used electro stimulation (it's not scary or painful!), cupping, burning an herb called moxa, tui na massage, gua sha (scraping with a spoon), or even bloodletting. All of these, when used with proper training, are safe and can be very helpful. They may be used before, after, or during acupuncture, or even instead of acupuncture if appropriate! If you have questions about anything, just ask.
6. After the treatment
Once your rest time is over, the practitioner will come and remove the needles and give you a moment to wake up and get your things together before checking out and booking your follow-up appointment. They should let you know when is a good time to come back in. Depending how acute your issue is, it could be a second treatment that week, but usually it will be in one week. It's great to attend regularly in the beginning to get the most benefit.
Since acupuncture treatments can modulate the nervous system, you may feel extremely relaxed after the treatment. If you're used to running on stress chemicals, you may even feel very tired as you will be experiencing the true nature of your state without adrenaline and cortisol in the system. This is totally normal and is usually most present after the first acupuncture session. That said, some people feel totally energised and refreshed. If you can help it, it's great to have a relaxing time after the treatment and not go into anything too rigorous or stressful. Of course, we can't all control our schedules and it won't do you any harm if you've got to return to life as usual.
If you have any questions, always reach out to your practitioner. If I am your local acupuncturist here in Fairfield, Melbourne, you're welcome to get in touch with me to ask about what you can expect specifically and to gauge whether I'm the right practitioner for you.