You’ve booked a new patient visit with your acupuncturist, completed a questionnaire about your health, and are excited to begin treatment. However, you can’t quite remember if you are supposed to dress a certain way for the treatment, wait two hours to eat (or was that what the yoga instructor said?), drink a gallon of water (or is that for a colonoscopy?).
Or, maybe you’re several sessions into your treatment plan and wondering if you could be doing anything differently to benefit your care.
Let’s clarify what to do before, during, and after acupuncture treatment so you arrive prepared and leave with self-assurance that you’re extending the benefits of your treatment long after your hour visit.
Turning Pointe founder Emily Bartha, LAc, MAcOM treating a patient in the clinic.
Before Acupuncture:
It’s always a good idea to try to arrive a few minutes early to your appointment, just to take some time to separate from the day and unwind a bit before heading into the treatment room.
If you are feeling thirsty, be sure to drink some water ahead of the appointment or while sitting in the waiting room.
You’ll want to stop drinking coffee at least an hour (or more!) whenever possible before acupuncture. Coffee can block some (but not all) of the pain relieving effects of acupuncture treatment.
Wear whatever makes you comfortable. We may have you remove some clothing but will always provide covers, drapes, and a heated bed when needed to keep you appropriately covered and warm. Looser clothing is always a nice option.
If you are starving before treatment, you’ll be even hungrier afterward! Have a snack ahead of the visit if needed. Be sure to not skip meals before acupuncture.
Plan on discussing your chief concern with your acupuncturist, what’s helped and what hasn’t helped your condition, and any other concerns especially with regard to your affected activities of daily living. Think about how you’ve been feeling overall, and consider mentioning any areas or experiences of discomfort, difficulty, or change even if you’re not sure they’re related.
During Acupuncture:
Once in the treatment room, please turn your phone and any other devices to silent mode to help you rest and keep your and other patient’s treatments as undisturbed as possible.
Always tell your acupuncturist if you have any implants, medical devices, medication patches, or other areas of sensitivity (especially new ones!) that they need to avoid touching or placing nearby acupuncture needles.
As the needles are placed, you might feel a little mosquito bite-like sensation that resolves within seconds. If that sensation does not resolve, communicate this to your acupuncturist so they can adjust the needles.
Ask any questions that might arise while the acupuncturist is placing needles. We’ll happily share more information that helps you understand the treatment.
Before we step out of the room to let you rest, we’ll hand you a small buzzer. If you need anything at all while resting on the table for 25 minutes or so – if the table warmer is too high, you have to use the restroom, the headrest needs adjustment, or just need to say ‘hi’ – feel free to press that button.
During your rest, try to settle in as much as you can. If it feels good, you can close your eyes, slow your breathing, and drop into the moment. We often have some white noise and low, soothing music to support relaxation. Many patients slightly dose off during their treatment and that’s totally fine!
After Acupuncture:
You’ve rested and all of the tiny acupuncture needles have been removed. Maybe you also have had gua sha or cupping done and are ready to head back out into the world.
Instead of rushing to get dressed and out of the room, we recommend getting up from the treatment table slowly. If you are particularly relaxed or feeling a little fatigue, it may help to sit on the table for a few moments as you adjust.
Before you leave the clinic, make sure you understand your treatment plan, including any homework stretches or movements to perform at home, how many appointments you will need to schedule in order to see long-lasting results, and any information on supplements or other support that may be beneficial. If possible, schedule your next appointment(s) before you head out to help keep you on your treatment plan.
Drink plenty of water, as you would post-massage. No need to guzzle it down; just small sips to keep you hydrated. Room temperature water is best.
Plan on some light exercise or gentle movement in the evening following your acupuncture session. If you need to cross fit or a more intense workout, it’s best to schedule that for the following day.
Hopefully, these tips will help you feel prepared before, during, and after your next acupuncture treatment. If you ever have any questions or would like more personalized recommendations that will support your acupuncture treatment plan, don’t hesitate to ask your practitioner. We look forward to seeing you at the clinic!
Author: Winslett Carr, LAc, MSAOM. Learn more about Winslett here and check out her previous post: Who turned up the heat?! Adding acupuncture to your perimenopause toolkit.
