Traditional Chinese medicine views acupuncture as a way to balance chi (your body’s flow of energy), while modern Western medicine views it as an alternative therapy for pain relief and overall wellness by stimulating muscles and nerves. While the thought of having needles stuck in the skin may alarm some people, it’s usually a pain-free treatment. If you’ve never had acupuncture before and you recently scheduled an appointment, here is all you need to know to prepare for your first treatment.

What to Know Before Your First Acupuncture Session

How to Prepare for the First Session

On the day of your first session, you’ll discuss your health issues and symptoms. Your practitioner may also examine your tongue and feel your pulse in both wrists in line with a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment (believed to determine an individual’s overall health and well-being).

While you needn’t physically prepare beforehand, never turn up on an empty or full stomach. This treatment can leave you feeling lightheaded or drained, so be sure to eat two hours before the appointment to avoid weakness.

What to Expect During the Treatment

Once you’ve gone through your health questionnaire, you’ll need to remove your shoes and socks, and possibly other items of clothing, depending on where you’ll be receiving the acupuncture. Your practitioner will alcohol-swab your acupuncture areas before inserting very thin, sterile needles. Once they’ve finished, you’ll stay there for 25 to 30 minutes, being intermittently checked on.

How to Get the Most From Your Session

You will usually need a few follow-up appointments to truly feel the benefits. Depending on your symptoms and where you had treatment, you should start to feel noticeably relaxed, less congested, pain-free, or more focused. Your acupuncturist may recommend you make some dietary or exercise changes as well, such as adapting your food intake depending on what you’re treating. For example, if you want to increase your energy, your acupuncturist will suggest energy-boosting foods.

The team at Montvale Health Sport + Spine, in Montvale, NJ, ensures that every patient gets personalized treatment plans tailored to their individual needs. The team offers an array of services, including acupuncture, therapeutic massages, injection therapy, cupping therapy, and spinal decompression to alleviate your symptoms and restore your quality of life. Call (201) 391-8282 to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to browse their services.