What to know before your first visit

  • Please bring any medications, supplements or vitamins you are currently taking.
  • Please bring a copy of test results related to your condition, if you have them
  • Please complete intake and consent forms online.  This will take approximately 15 minutes.  Forms can not be printed.* Having the form completed prior to arriving will allow more time for treatment. If you are unable to complete the form online please contact me.
  • Please wear loose clothing for access to arms and legs.  Acupuncture treatment is generally done on the larger parts of the body
  • We will review the information on the health form you completed
  • We will review your personal and family medical history
  • I will ask you a series of questions that may or may not seem related to your chief complaint.
  •  In order for the best treatment to be determined for you, you will be asked questions regarding health and lifestyle. Some of these may seem embarrassing and will include detailed descriptions of bowel movements, urination and menstruation (for women). The more details you can provide, the better the ability to provide an accurate diagnosis. These questions provide me the information to help understand the disharmony of the body, thereby developing a treatment plan that will facilitate the body to reach homeostasis and assist in resolving your symptoms.
  • A Chinese Medicine diagnosis is based on tongue diagnosis, radial pulse taking and the state of your internal organs.
    • The tongue is assessed by looking at the shape, colour, coating and moisture.  Various areas of the tongue reflect the state of the internal organs.  Therefore it is important that you don’t brush your tongue before your appointment, and that you don’t eat or drink for an hour before your appointment.
    • The pulse can give detailed information on the state of the internal organs and it reflects the Qi and blood.

Protection from the elements

After an acupuncture treatment your body may be particularly vulnerable.  In Chinese Medicine pain and stagnation can be brought on by cold or wind.  So hats and scarves are highly recommended to protect yourself against the elements.

Should I watch what I eat after treatment?

After your acupuncture treatment your body is in a state of healing, so it’s recommended that you avoid foods with sugar or that may be considered greasy,  spicy, cold, raw or overly processed.  Think of the foods you are eating as a continuation of the healing process of the body, after your treatment.  If you forget the advice about the alcohol, a minor headache may occur or you may be more affected by the alcohol.

BEFORE

  • Avoid heavy meals before and after treatment.   It’s best not to have an acupuncture treatment on an empty stomach, as this may lead to lightheadedness, dizziness and possibly fainting during treatment.  It’s important to have enough energy to maximize your treatment potential. 
  • Avoid caffeine, and alcohol for several hours before treatment- these both dehydrate the body and therefore will hinder the removal of toxins.
  • Attempt to have an empty bladder.

AFTER

  • After treatment the body will release toxins.  It’s important to drink plenty of water to facilitate this removal.
  • Some individuals may feel very tired or relaxed after a treatment.  Others may feel fully energized.
  • Limit strenuous physical activity for the rest of the day.  It is best to allow the body to rest even if you feel energized. You can still go for a walk or participate in a gentle yoga class. Please avoid the 5 km run or heavy weights.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol after treatment as both dehydrate the body, as well as they may affect levels of alertness.
  • Avoid smoking as this will slow down the healing powers of the body.
  • In the evening after your treatment, I often recommend a warm bath with Epson salts to help continue the removal of toxins.