If you are looking for tips for your first chinese acupuncture appointment, then you have probably already heard about acupuncture. You may have even researched it already. In case you haven’t, we have a quick review of the basics of acupuncture here. 

Preparing for your first Chinese acupuncture appointment

You’ve made your appointment. Here’s what you need to do to prepare before the appointment and what to expect during the appointment. 

What to do before your acupuncture appointment

1) Try to avoid stress immediately before (or after) your acupuncture appointment. 

Your Chinese acupuncturist is going to try and relax your muscles, lessening the fight or flight reaction of your body. If you go with a heightened reaction, it could be harder for the acupuncturist to help you as much as possible. 

2) Eat 2 hours before your appointment and avoid coffee 

You want to go to your appointment with some food in your stomach, but not too much. Also, coffee is a stimulant on the body and best avoided before acupuncture. 

3) Wear loose clothing 

Sometimes the locations that your acupuncturist will choose might surprise you. Often key acupuncture points may be located in different parts of the body than the original malady. By wearing loose clothing, not only will you be more comfortable for a new experience, but it will be easier for your acupuncturist to place the needles they need to. 

What to expect during your acupuncture appointment

4) Your Chinese acupuncturist needs to know all medications, supplements, and medical history

Because Chinese medicine is holistic, your acupuncturist will probably ask for your complete history. You never know what may be causing your current complaint, but the right acupuncturist will know what to do with the information. 

5) Expect a Chinese medicine exam

The body communicates in many ways. Your acupuncturist will probably take your pulse at the wrist and check your tongue before starting acupuncture. 

6) Acupuncture involves very thin needles 

Acupuncture needles are very then and usually completely painless. They aren’t at all like regular hypodermic needles. Some of them may look daunting, especially the long needles for deep muscles, but their bark is scarier than their bite. Just keep in mind that your acupuncturist is there to help you as much as possible and listen to your needs. Communicate what you are feeling and let them know if you are scared of needles.

Acupressure, massage, and other Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques, such as cupping, Moxibustion, and Chinese medicinal herbs are alternatives for those with a needle phobia. 

If it’s needle safety that has you nervous, rest assured that qualified acupuncturists always throw away their needles after every use. You will never see the needle of another patient. 

Don’t Worry Before Your First Chinese Acupuncture Appointment

Your acupuncturist knows what they are doing. They have worked with all kinds of patients and maladies and will do their best to treat you as well as possible.