YOUR FIRST VISIT

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Before you arrive:

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• Please fill out the intake form  in as much detail as possible 

• Wear comfortable loose clothing

• Eat a light meal or snack (do not arrive on an empty stomach)

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What to expect:

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Kelly will go over your medical history and do a full intake and Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis which will help to formulate your treatment that is catered specifically to your needs and comfort. Kelly will ask to look at your tongue, and feel your pulse, this is a traditional practice in acupuncture and Chinese medicine for formulating a correct diagnosis.  

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​A typical acupuncture treatment includes approximately 10-20 single use needles.   Chinese medicine also includes a variety of other techniques for treatment and if needed or requested you can experience some of the additional techniques to be applied to your treatment.

• Cupping Therapy 

• Tui Na

• Gua Sha 

• TCM Dietary Recommendations

• Infrared Therapy-TDP lamp

• Ear Seeds

• Tuning forks

• Laser acupuncture 

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First appointments usually last ~60-75 minutes, subsequent appointments are ~50-60 minutes. 

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What to Expect After Your Acupuncture Treatment- please read!

Every acupuncture treatment is unique because every person is unique.

Some people leave their treatment feeling lighter, calmer, and more energized. Others notice immediate pain relief or improved movement. For many, the changes unfold gradually over the next 24–72 hours as the body continues to respond to treatment.

Occasionally, you may experience a temporary increase in symptoms before things begin to improve. While this doesn't happen to everyone, it can be a normal part of your body's adjustment process.

You might notice:

• Mild muscle soreness or achiness

• Fatigue or the need for extra rest

• A mild headache

• Feeling more emotional than usual

• Temporary changes in digestion or bowel habits

• Increased thirst

• Changes in your sleep

• A brief flare-up of your original symptoms before they begin to settle

Although this can feel surprising, it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong.

Acupuncture creates change within the body. It influences the nervous system, increases circulation, relaxes muscles and connective tissue, and encourages the body to shift away from patterns of tension, stress, and compensation toward a more balanced state.

As these systems adjust, your body may need a little time to recalibrate. Long-held patterns don't always change instantly. Sometimes the body becomes more aware of an area that has been guarded or compensating before it begins to relax and heal.

Think of it like straightening a crooked picture frame. As you adjust it, things may briefly feel different before everything comes back into balance.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture helps restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body. As stagnation begins to resolve and balance is restored, temporary shifts in how you feel can occur before your system settles into its new equilibrium.

How to Support Your Healing 

After your treatment, give your body the opportunity to integrate the changes that have begun.

We recommend:

• Drinking plenty of water.

• Eating nourishing meals.

• Avoiding strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day when possible.

• Taking time to rest if your body asks for it.

• Going for a gentle walk or spending time in nature.

• Paying attention to changes in your symptoms, energy, sleep, mood, and overall well-being over the next few days.

Healing isn't always a straight line. Sometimes symptoms improve immediately, sometimes they fluctuate before resolving, and sometimes changes happen so gradually that you simply realize one day you're feeling better than you have in months.

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When Should You Contact the Clinic?

Mild soreness, temporary fatigue, or short-lived changes in symptoms are generally normal and resolve within a day or two.

If you experience severe pain, significant swelling, signs of infection, persistent dizziness, or anything that feels unusual or concerns you, please don't hesitate to contact the clinic. We're here to support you and are always happy to answer your questions.

Healing is a process, not a single event.

Each treatment builds on the last, supporting your body's remarkable ability to restore balance, reduce pain, regulate the nervous system, and move toward lasting health.

Be patient with yourself, trust your body's wisdom, and know that every step forward—no matter how small—is part of your healing journey.

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