Preparing for Your Acupuncture Treatment

Here are some tips to help you when it comes to preparing for your acupuncture consultation and treatments.

1. Schedule Wisely.  Our lives are hectic! Self-care should be an important part, not just something to check off the to-do list.   Pick a day and time in your schedule that will allow you to take a moment after treatment to take it easy.  This will give your body and mind time to integrate the treatment, allowing for more complete healing.
2. Don’t Rush.  Rushing makes things more stressful.  Give yourself plenty of time to arrive to your appointment on time.
3. Complete Paperwork.  Nobody really likes paperwork, but it is important to provide the information to get the most effective personalized consultation and treatments. Take a moment to fill out any forms completely and honestly.  Don’t skip something because you assume it is irrelevant to your current complaint.  Keep in mind that acupuncture is a holistic practice and everything contributes to your overall picture of health.
4. Bring your Questions.  Please think of all of the questions which you may want to ask your practitioner about acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as well as your personal health concerns.
5. Eat.   Prior to your acupuncture session, eat a light meal or snack. This is especially important for early morning appointments.  Acupuncture works best if you have eaten something at least 1-2 hours prior to your appointment.
6. Wear loose clothing.  This is so the acupuncturist can easily access the places where he or she wants to place needles.
7. Skip the Cup of Joe.  Coffee is a stimulant and it kicks your body into fight-or-flight mode. Acupuncture works to shift you away from that sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state and toward a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) one, so coffee hinders the process. A lot of conditions are a result of being stuck in a state of stress.
8.  Avoid Alcohol.  Alcohol should be avoided for at least 12 hours before and after your treatment.
9. Remove your Smart Watch and Turn off your Cellphone.  Please turn off your phone and remove your smart watch. Silent it or power it Off.  Calls and notifications during treatment will disrupt your quiet time.  This is your time and no one else’s. We encourage you to make it count by disconnecting for the short time.
10. Keep an open mind.  Positive energy speeds up any healing process.

Want to learn more.  Here is a link to a great ebook Why Did You Put That Needle There?