What To Expect From Your First Acupuncture Session
Acupuncture is a time-tested healing practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that promotes balance and wellness in the body.
If you’re trying acupuncture for the first time, or are new to acupuncture at Root to Rise, chances are you’re wondering what to expect at your first visit.
Before Your Session
There are some actions you can take to help support the impact of your upcoming acupuncture treatment.
Come well resourced by having something to eat and drink prior to your visit so your body can focus on processing your treatment.
Wear loose comfortable clothing allowing easy access to your forearms and legs from the knee down, where most acupuncture points are located.
Plan to work out vigorously ahead of your visit so you can rest afterwards.
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs on the day of your visit.
Your First Session Intake
Your first visit will be a 90-minute evaluation with one of our licensed acupuncturists. This initial session allows you and your acupuncturist to thoroughly discuss the reason you’re coming in and take a deep dive into your health systems and history. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body holistically, so all of the signs and symptoms you experience are important. In this detailed intake, your acupuncturist may ask questions about:
Sleep habits
Energy levels
Pain in the body
Emotions
Digestion and appetite
Bowel movements and urination
Hormonal health and/or fertility
After the intake, your acupuncturist may check your pulse and look at your tongue. The pulse and tongue are diagnostic tools used in TCM that help your acupuncturist gain a better understanding of how your body is functioning and identify any imbalances that may be present.
Carole Wyche, L.Ac. MAOM taking a pulse assessment during an acupuncture treatment.
Your Treatment
The in-depth intake, along with pulse and tongue diagnosis, helps determine a treatment plan personalized to you. The goal of the treatment is to address your main complaint by targeting the root cause. Treatments—including point locations and the number of points used—will vary from person to person, as each individual is unique in their symptoms and experiences.
When it’s time to get on the table, your acupuncturist will let you know what to leave on and how to lie down. We use a heated table and a heat lamp to keep you warm and cozy throughout the session.
Once settled, your acupuncturist will:
Prepare the points using an alcohol swab
Insert the thin stainless steel needles into the points
Check in on your comfort levels
Make any adjustments according to your preferences
Allow you time to rest and relax
Depending on your needs, your session may consist of a face-up and face-down treatment and adjunct modalities like acupressure, cupping, ear seeds, or press needles.
After Your Treatment
After the treatment ends and all points are removed, you’ll have time to resettle. Together you and your acupuncturist will discuss a plan of action that best addresses your needs. Your plan of care may include guidance on acupressure, nutritional advice, and lifestyle modifications.
After your session, we recommend you:
Take it easy. Your body is working hard even if it feels restful during the visit. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours and aim to get a good night’s sleep.
Stay hydrated with plenty of room temperature water after your session, supporting the body’s natural detoxification process.
Eat healthy, regularly timed meals, avoiding heavy, greasy foods and alcohol the day of your session.
Be gentle with yourself. Every session is tailored to how you are presenting that day both physically and emotionally so different responses to treatment are natural. Check in emotionally and physically to honor what is coming up.
We are always here for you and welcome you to reach out to your acupuncturist if you need support following your session.
Interested in learning more about acupuncture? Check out our related blog posts
Tender Support Through Every Trimester; How Acupuncture Nurtures You in Pregnancy & Beyond
Harmonize with the Seasons According to Traditional Chinese Medicine
At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy. Our Acupuncturists are specialized in treating hormone conditions and fertility support. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!
