What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Appointment

16/11/25


What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Appointment

If you’ve never tried acupuncture before, you might be wondering what your first appointment will be like. I aim to make your experience gentle, welcoming and completely tailored to you. Knowing what to expect can help you feel calm and confident before your first session.


A Warm Welcome


When you arrive at Dance City, I'll come and meet you at reception and show you to the treatment space. We’ll then take some time to talk about why you’ve come, any health concerns, and what you hope to achieve from treatment. This conversation helps me create a personalised plan and ensures you feel heard and supported.



A Detailed Health Consultation

Acupuncture is most effective when it’s tailored to your body and lifestyle.


Prior to your initial appointment I will email you with an Initial Consultation Form for you to complete and we will discuss this in-depth during your first session. 



I'll ask about:

Your medical history and any current conditions

Sleep, digestion, stress, and mood patterns

Your diet, exercise, and daily routines

Any specific symptoms or concerns

This detailed consultation allows me to understand the root of what’s happening in your body and not just the surface symptoms. It also gives you the chance to ask any questions. For some patients coming in with acute injuries, a less detailed intake may be preferred.


With permission, I will also undertake a tongue and pulse diagnosis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, tongue and pulse diagnosis are important ways to assess your overall health and energy. By observing the tongue’s colour, shape, and coating, and feeling the subtle qualities of your pulse at different positions, I can gain a better insight into your internal balance. These observations help to guide your individual treatment plan and allows me to develop a more effective points prescription.


The Treatment


After the consultation, we’ll begin your acupuncture session. Depending on your needs, this may include:



Traditional body acupuncture


NADA auricular acupuncture, a short, relaxing ear treatment ideal for stress or energy support


Gentle guidance on self-care, diet, or lifestyle habits


Many first-time patients are surprised at how comfortable acupuncture feels. The needles are very thin, and most people feel a gentle tingling or warmth rather than pain. I'll always ensure you are relaxed and comfortable throughout.

Aftercare and Follow-Up


After your session, you’ll usually rest for a few minutes to let your body integrate the treatment. It’s normal to feel relaxed, energized, or sleepy — everyone responds differently. I'll give you advice on self-care at home, and if needed, we’ll discuss a follow-up plan tailored to your goals. We can also discuss how many treatments you will require and you can book any follow-up appointments before you leave.


Your first acupuncture appointment is a gentle introduction to a practice that can support your energy, mood, and overall wellbeing. It’s a space to feel heard, cared for, and nurtured — and the first step toward balance in your body and mind.



You can click here to book your first session 

today.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

  Acupuncture for Insomnia: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective Sleep is one of the foundations of health. When it is restful and consistent, it restores the body, calms the mind, and helps us meet each day with clarity and resilience. But when sleep is disrupted, everything else can feel harder. Insomnia is one of the most common issues people face today, and it takes many forms: difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently through the night, early morning waking, or restless sleep that doesn’t feel refreshing. Modern life—with its screens, stress, and irregular routines—certainly plays a role. But insomnia has been recognised and treated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance all offer effective, natural ways to support healthy sleep. In this post, we’ll explore how TCM understands insomnia, the different “patterns” that can cause it, and how acupuncture works to restore balance. We’ll also s...
Read more

NADA Auricular Acupuncture

Image
  26/11/25 NADA Auricular Acupuncture What is the NADA Protocol? The NADA Protocol is a gentle ear‑acupuncture method that uses up to five small, sterilised needles placed in specific points on each ear.  acudetox.com+2nada-norge.no+2  Originally developed for addiction support and “detox,” it’s now used in a wide range of settings — from mental‑health support and trauma relief to community wellbeing and stress management.  nadagbacupuncture.co.uk+1 During a session, people sit together quietly (often in groups) for 20–45 minutes, giving space for the treatment to settle in — no talking necessary, just stillness, breath and time.  acudetox.com+1 What the Points Are for & What It Can Help With The five standard ear points used in the protocol are thought to support different aspects of the nervous system and emotional regulation.  nada-norge.no+1  Because of this, people often use NADA for a range of issues — including stress, anxiety, emotional ove...
Read more