If you have never had acupuncture before, the first appointment can feel like a step into the unknown. Patients often tell me afterwards that it was nothing like they imagined, in a good way. Here is what actually happens when you come in for an initial acupuncture session at the clinic in Alexandria.
Before you arrive
Wear loose, comfortable clothing if you can; sleeves and pant legs that roll up easily make things simple. Have something to eat an hour or two beforehand, as treatment on a completely empty stomach can leave some people feeling light-headed.
The conversation comes first
The initial session runs for about an hour, and a good portion of it is conversation. I will ask about the concern that brought you in, but also about sleep, digestion, energy, stress and history. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the whole picture matters: two people with the same complaint may receive quite different treatments. I will also look at the tongue and feel the pulse, two traditional assessment tools that add detail to that picture.
The treatment
Acupuncture needles are nothing like injection needles. They are about the width of a hair, and most people are surprised by how little they feel. You may notice a brief sting on insertion, then a dull, heavy or warm sensation around the point, which is a normal and expected part of treatment. The needles stay in for around 20 to 30 minutes while you rest. Many people doze off.
Depending on what we find, I may also include cupping, gua sha or moxibustion in the session, and I will always explain what I am suggesting and why before we begin.
Afterwards
Most people leave feeling relaxed, sometimes pleasantly drowsy. It is sensible to keep the rest of the day gentle: no heavy training sessions straight afterwards, and drink some water.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the person and the concern, and I would be wary of anyone who promises a fixed number. As a general rule, longstanding issues tend to need a longer course of care than recent ones. At the first appointment we will talk honestly about what a sensible plan looks like for you, and review it as we go.
If you have more questions before booking, the FAQs page covers the common ones, or feel free to get in touch directly.
Any questions or to book in, feel free to contact Ahil at the Alexandria clinic on (02) 9341 5775 or by email at ahilnaturopath@gmail.com.
Ahil Naturopath/Acupuncture is a clinic located near Redfern, Alexandria and Waterloo. We also service areas across Sydney including Botany, Camperdown, Darlinghurst, Erskineville, Eveleigh, Mascot, Newtown, Rosebery, Surry Hills and Zetland.
We offer Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Cupping, Gua Sha (Scraping) and Moxibustion services in South-East, Eastern and Inner City of Sydney.