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YOUR FIRST VISIT

Getting started with acupuncture at the Healing Hands Clinic

HOLISTIC ASSESSMENT

Prior to your treatment, the acupuncturist will learn about your health concerns, perform a tongue and pulse assessment, share treatment strategy and objectives

COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT

Relaxing comprehensive treatment incorporating various modalities (including acupuncture, cupping and heat therapy) to achieve treatment goals and relax your mind

RECOMMENDATIONS & NEXT STEPS

Throughout the course of your treatments, our acupuncturist will discuss lifestyle recommendations and treatment plan to maximize treatment benefits

First Visit: Resources

HOW TO PREPARE?

  • Schedule an appointment over the phone

  • Eat a warm snack or light meal before your first visit to enable a successful treatment

  • Avoid brushing your tongue the morning of your appointment day 

  • Bring your mask to wear in the clinic

  • Wear comfortable loose clothing

  • Bring your ID (driver's license) and any additional documents as required

  • Arrive 10 minutes earlier for us to gather your information

WHAT TO EXPECT?

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  • Check-in at the front door with your mask, we'll take your temperature 

  • Complete simple paperwork

  • Share your health concerns and questions with our acupuncturist

  • You'll be asked questions and your tongue and pulse will be assessed  

  • Relax during the calming therapeutic session in your private room

  • Check-out with payment and plan for next steps 

  • In follow up visits, you'll continually work with our acupuncturist on your healing progress

  • Anticipate lifestyle adjustments with resting, eating and emotional patterns discussions throughout your course of treatments

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR FIRST VISIT

Post-treatment: continue to relax and remain in a restful state

  • If you feel sleepy after the treatment, continue to rest by taking a nap or going to bed earlier in the evening

  • Stay hydrated with warm water and teas, while avoiding significant intake of alcohol or coffee

  • Try to limit cold drinks or foods such as ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies, cold dishes throughout the course of your treatments

  • Avoid engaging in very strenuous activity such as heavy weightlifting or long distance running on the day of treatment

  • Avoid engaging in activities that expose you to extreme temperatures such as cryotherapy or hot sauna day of the treatment

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE TYPICALLY NEEDED?

Each individual has a unique medical history, blend of conditions and response to treatment. How your body responds to the treatment differs based on many factors such as your age, duration and severity of your condition, your lifestyle habits, living environment, life stressors and etc. What we recommend is for you to come in for your first visit, see how you feel, then together with the acupuncturist, develop a treatment plan that best fits your needs.

I'M SCARED OF NEEDLES, ARE THEY GOING TO HURT WHEN INSERTED?

The needles used in acupuncture are different from the ones commonly used by your primary provider. Acupuncture needles are filiform needles (not hollow inside) usually the size of your hair, while the ones used at your physician's office are hypodermic needles (used to inject fluid or withdrawal fluids) are much larger. The high quality needles we use are single use, sterilized, individually packaged.

WHAT AGE GROUPS DO YOU WORK WITH?

Acupuncture is a versatile treatment that can help people in all walks of life. We've had patients including grade school kids, young adults, college students, working adults and retired individuals.

First Visit: FAQs
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