ACUPUNCTURE

What to expect on your first visit

Find out what to expect from your first acupuncture appointment and what you can do to get the most out of each session.

1. Consultation

Your first appointment includes an in-depth consultation to find out more about you, your medical history and your health goals. This helps Mitchell to form an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

2. Treatment

Following your consultation, your acupuncture treatment begins. Based on your diagnosis, Mitchell may utilise other Chinese medicine tools, selecting the ideal combination for you, and checking in with you all the way.

3. Relaxation

There is often time for you to relax with the needles in for at least 20 minutes so you can experience the full benefits. Mitchell will ensure you’re warm and comfortable. Some clients use this time for meditation; others as an opportunity for a power nap!

4. Next steps

You’ll then be gently woken and each of the needles removed. You might notice some immediate changes. It’s common to feel relaxed and calmer. Diet or lifestyle advice may be recommended, along with a suggested treatment plan.

Getting the most from your treatments

Complete the form in advance
When booking your first appointment, you’ll be sent an online form. Complete this as soon as possible to maximise your treatment time. Paper forms are available from the centre.
 
Medical scans or results?
If you have any recent medical scans or pathology results relevant to your current health problems, bring them along to your appointment or email them over beforehand.
When to eat
Ideally, eat something around a couple of hours before your session. If that’s not possible, it’s best to avoid eating a big, heavy meal immediately before your arrive. 
 
Stay hydrated before and after
It’s always a good idea to have a glass of water before your session, and stay hydrated for the rest of the day.
Wear loose-fitting clothes
So the acupuncture points can be easily accessed, wear loose-fitting or stretchy clothes that you feel comfortable in. Sarongs and towels are always available if needed.
 
Arrive a few minutes early
Being slightly early helps you to take a breath and ease in to your appointment. Even better, arrive up to 30 minutes early and use one of the centre's complimentary massage chairs.
Avoid any big plans after your appointment
Although it’s not always possible, try and avoid a hectic schedule immediately after your appointment. If you can, carve out some extra time afterwards to relax and truly experience the benefits.

Get in touch

Want to find out more? Call, text or email to see how acupuncture may help you.

Common questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are the width of a human hair and up to 50 times thinner than a regular IV needle. But if you are scared of needles, it’s understandable to feel a little nervous about getting acupuncture for the very first time.
 
When carried out by an experienced professional, acupuncture should not hurt at all. However, you may still feel some sensation during the treatment. Tell Mitchell beforehand if you have any concerns so he can adapt the treatment to you and what you feel most comfortable with.

What can I expect after getting acupuncture?

It does vary for each client, but you may notice some changes within the first day or two after your appointment. For example, you may feel more relaxed or experience more mental clarity. Sometimes the session can cause the body to have a bit of a clear-out, which might be increased urination or bowel motions, or an onset of flu symptoms. There can be emotional changes too, like feeling upset or irritable.
 
Be assured, these are all normal responses and will pass. In fact, they are positive indications that a shift or release has occurred. You can always contact Mitchell directly if you are ever concerned.

How many treatments will I need?

How many treatments are required depends on what the problem is, how long you have experienced it for (whether it is acute or chronic), your age and any contributing lifestyle factors.
 
Depending on what changes you experience after your first visit, a weekly treatment can sometimes be recommended for 4 to 6 weeks. If the sessions are more for relaxation than focussing on a particular ailment, you may want to opt for a monthly ‘tune-up’ to calm, balance and harmonise your energy.

Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?

You may have previously experienced dry needling from your physio, chiro or GP. While still using fine needles, dry needling is a modern technique with an entirely different application to traditional forms of acupuncture.
 
Dry needling was developed in the 1950s and involves inserting needles into areas of pain (what are called trigger points) to stimulate a local release within the muscle tissue.

Conversely, traditional acupuncture differs significantly in its philosophy, approach and application. A traditional acupuncturist inserts needles into acupuncture points along the the energy channels of the body (called the meridians) with the aim of influencing the flow of energy (qi) and offering a more holistic approach for body, mind and spirit. 

For example, if you experience shoulder pain, an acupuncturist may insert needles into your hand, foot or leg to unblock stagnant energy within the channel that runs to the shoulder.