Q&A: What Should I Do Before My First Acupuncture Appointment?

Acupuncture is one of the practices used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Generally, when we hear the word “acupuncture”, we associate it with needles. But, what is acupuncture?

What is Acupuncture?

In traditional acupuncture, you will observe that a practitioner or a licensed acupuncturist will be using thin needles within the skin to stimulate the points on the body. ¹

The theory and practice of acupuncture originated in ancient times in China. ²

Although it has existed in ancient times, it has come a long way before it was accepted in the mainstream society since the 1970s and continues to rapidly expand accompanying the tide of Chinese immigration in the 1970s. Moreover, In Canada, British Columbia (BC) became the first Canadian province offering acupuncture treatments as supplementary benefits for its Medical Services Plan premium assistance recipient at the beginning of 2008. ³

As of today, we can observe the increasing use of acupuncture in clinical settings worldwide.  A survey conducted by World Health Organization (WHO), it has shown that the most common form of practice in TCM is acupuncture which is reported by its 113 member states. ⁴

And, we can observe that the rise of its popularity was due to the benefits that it can provide. Previously, we have shared how acupuncture can help in relieving the pain.

‌So, if you are considering trying an acupuncture treatment, you may be asking this question: “What should I do before my first acupuncture appointment?”  If, it’s a yes, let’s help you to prepare for your very first acupuncture appointment.

What to Do Before Your First Acupuncture Session?

Although you don’t need something special before your appointment, it is essential to get prepared.

To maximize the full benefits of acupuncture, we usually advise our new patients on the following tips before attending acupuncture in Coquitlam or acupuncture in Surrey.

Make Sure to Allocate Time & Don’t Do Strenuous Activities

Before your acupuncture appointment, make sure that you are not engaged in strenuous or stressful activities. Have enough rest before your appointment.
Moreover, you also need to get relaxed after your acupuncture appointment.

Eat About Two Hours Before Your Appointment

It is recommended to eat two hours before your appointment. It is essential that you an appropriate amount and not a big meal. Moreover, it is not ideal to go with an empty stomach. It may upset your stomach and make you uncomfortable. So, just eat light. Avoid eating heavy and greasy food.

Drink Plenty of Water

To make the most of your acupuncture treatment, make sure to drink plenty of water before the appointment. Moreover, it is also essential to drink plenty of water after the treatment to help the body to flush out the toxins.

Choose to Wear Loose Clothing or Something Comfortable

For easier placement of the needles, it is advisable to wear loose but yet comfortable clothing. So, don’t forget to wear something loose and comfy.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Another thing that you need to avoid is drinking caffeinated products and alcohol. Make sure not to drink a coffee or alcohol twelve hours prior to your appointment. This is because coffee is a stimulant and can lead to restlessness.

Moreover, drinking coffee and alcohol can lessen the desirable effects of acupuncture treatment. If you are coffee, just avoid it for a while, and just remember this is for the benefit of your body.

Just Relax and Give Yourself Enough Time

When going to the clinic, make sure that you give yourself enough time. Don’t rush since it will just give you an elevated heart rate.

It is essential to relax to increase your ability to concentrate on your treatment. Therefore, it is essential to give time to yourself and plan your day well.

Tell Your Full Medical History

Each acupuncture session always starts with an assessment. This is essential to know the current condition of your body and the ideal treatment.

Moreover, Acupuncture follows the holistic approach. Acupuncturists always see to it that they look the full picture of your health and lifestyle. They do not just address the symptoms of your illness.

Do You Still Have Some Questions about Your First Acupuncture Appointment?

If you have recently booked an initial acupuncture appointment and have some questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Need an Acupuncture? Schedule your First Acupuncture Session in Coquitlam

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment method for a variety of conditions, both physical and mental. If you are looking for an acupuncturist in Coquitlam, we have licensed acupuncturists in Coquitlam. They can help you in dealing with anxiety.

Additionally, if you are looking for an acupuncturist in Surrey. You can also count on Evergreen Rehab and Wellness – Surrey clinic.

At Evergreen Rehab & Wellness – Coquitlam and Surrey Clinic, our acupuncturist will apply various modalities based on the results of the patient’s assessment. They will provide a custom acupuncture treatment depending on your condition.

Evergreen is Everywhere for Everyone – Let’s Help You Achieve Your Health and Wellness Goals

At Evergreen Rehab & Wellness – Coquitlam, we have licensed acupuncturists and TCM practitioners that provide best-in-class acupuncture therapy.

We don’t only have acupuncturists in Coquitlam, we also have acupuncturists in Surrey that are always ready to provide patients in these areas with custom and high-quality care.

Moreover, we also have an acupuncturist in Langley that can help you.

You may contact us through the following:

Acupuncture Clinic in Coquitlam

• Evergreen Rehab & Wellness – Coquitlam
• Email:[email protected]
• Telephone Number: 604.449.5859
• Book Online Today!

Acupuncture Clinic in Surrey

• Evergreen Rehab & Wellness – Surrey
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone Number: 604.498.5859
• Book Online Today!

References

1. NCCIH. (2016, January). Acupuncture: In Depth. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-in-depth)[↩]
2. Lehmann H. (2013). Acupuncture in ancient China: how important was it really?. Journal of integrative medicine, 11(1), 45–53. https://doi.org/10.3736/jintegrmed2013008)[↩]
3. Cao B. B. (2015). Current status and future prospects of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine in Canada. Chinese journal of integrative medicine, 21(3), 166–172. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-014-1962-8)[↩]
4. WHO GLOBAL REPORT ON TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2019. (n.d.). https://www.who.int/traditional-complementary-integrative-medicine/WhoGlobalReportOnTraditionalAndComplementaryMedicine2019.pdf)[↩]