NOTES FROM YOUR ACUPUNCTURIST: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Whether you're a first-timer dipping your toes in or you’re a familiar face around here, our top priority is to ensure your acupuncture experience is not only effective but also downright comfortable. Picture your acupuncture session as a journey towards balance, well-being, and a rejuvenated you. At Pointe, our offerings aren’t just services – they’re individualized pathways to feeling your absolute best.
I’ve gathered up my top tips to make your first acupuncture session a breeze - let’s dive in.
before your session
+ Wear comfortable clothing - think loose, breathable, comfy clothing that will allow for easy access to your desired acupuncture areas. If you’re heading over straight from work, we can provide you with a muslin robe to wear for your session.
+ Eat a light meal before your session - this will help prevent any potential lightheadedness. If possible, try to avoid any heavy or large meals immediately before your session.
+ Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
during your session
+ Communication is key - let us know any health concerns, symptoms you may be experiencing, or if there’s any discomfort during your session. This will allow us to tailor your treatment to your specific needs!
+ Trust the process - acupuncture is almost always completely painless. You can expect to feel a slight tingling sensation, warmth, or even a sense of heaviness around the needle sites; all of which are considered normal. In acupuncture, we use filiform needles which differ from the (hypodermic) needles which you’d see in a doctor’s office - filiform needles focus on stimulating energy flow and promoting balance within the body, while hypodermic needles administer medications, draw blood or deliver fluids. Due to their larger size and hollow structure, hypodermic needles may induce pain unlike the hair-thin needles we use in acupuncture.
+ Breathe + relax - relaxation is a crucial component of reaping all of the benefits of your acupuncture session, and deep breathing can enhance the effectiveness of your treatment. I especially love the 4-7-8 breathing technique (inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds).
AFTER your session
+ Take it easy - period! Avoid any strenuous activities + workouts and hold off on eating any heavy meals immediately afterwards. Give your body some buffer time after a session for it to effictively absorb all of the healing benefits.
+ Hydrate - again and again! Water is truly the elixir of life. Drink lots of H2O post-treatment to aid your body in flushing out any toxins released during your acpuncture session, and to support the body’s natural healing processes.
The entire team at Pointe is dedicated to ensuring comfortable, pleasurable and relaxing treatments, whether its your first time in or you’re a cherished regular. Thank you for trusting us with your healing journey, and never hestitate to ask any and all questions you may have - before, during and after treatment!
xx
Dr. Sam