How to Prepare for Your Treatment & What to Expect

PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

  • Please eat within 1-4 hours before your treatment. Do not arrive hungry.

  • Don’t brush your tongue on the day of your appointment.

  • Empty your bladder and bowels before the treatment. You will not be able to use the restroom once the needles are in.

  • It is helpful, but not necessary, to wear loose clothing - especially around the legs. Frequently used Acupuncture points are located from just above the knee down to the toes. If your clothing is restrictive then your body will be draped.

  • If you have recent reports from your Primary Care Physician, please bring them along. Acupuncturists licensed in the state of California are required to have training in Western Medicine. Acupuncturists are designated as Primary Care Providers in states including California, Florida and Texas where this medicine is integrated into the health system. Although an Acupuncturist cannot diagnose from a Western Medical perspective, some information is helpful in refining our understanding of your whole health. If you have not seen a PCP or Specialist for your concern - this will not impact an Acupuncturist’s ability to diagnose you from a TCM / TEAM perspective.

BEFORE MICRONEEDLING

It is important to advise the practitioner of your history of cosmetic interventions including fillers, botox, microderm abrasions, use of acids and peels, etc. Please review “Am I a Good Candidate for Microneedling” on the FAQ page to determine if Microneedling is safe for you.

TREATMENT PREPARATION

Before treatment begins, you will be diagnosed based upon Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) methodology. This includes asking you many questions that help identify “patterns” of imbalances in your body. Some questions may seem unrelated to your condition. This is because TEAM is a holistic practice - the interconnectedness of the body / mind / spirit has always been considered. For example, the mind-gut connection has been acknowledged for centuries in TEAM.

Another aspect of TEAM diagnosis is the consideration of tongue and pulse. You may be asked to show your tongue and your wrist pulses may be taken by hand. In tongue and pulse diagnosis, the practitioner is assessing various qualities - these take years of clinical training to recognize. Indeed, mastery can take a lifetime.

It is advisable to wear loose clothing so that there is easy access to points on the arms, legs, back and abdomen. If your clothing is restrictive then you will be provided with the options to (1) undress privately in the treatment room and drape yourself or (2) use the private restroom to change into a robe that will be provided.

During treatment you may be lying on your back (supine) or on your stomach (prone). Fine needles, the size of a hair, will be inserted into parts of your body that are either energetic points, trigger points, or myofascial release points. More often than not, you will not feel the needles. You will remain in this position for up to 45 minutes. Many people take a restful nap or enjoy a deep meditation. 

It is important that you remain unmoving on the table until you are told that the needles have been removed. 

After treatment, move slowly and drink plenty of water. Patients typically report feeling relaxed to the point of sedation - even when given a treatment to help raise energy.

Results may not be immediate and do vary.

SIDE EFFECTS

The most commonly reported side-effect is deep relaxation, feelings of ease, and a reduction in pain. 

Bruising can also occur. This is typically a cosmetic nuisance and not life threatening. If you are not on a regimen of blood thinners, then I recommend Arnica Cream to speed healing.

Pneumothorax is a rare and life threatening condition that can occur if a needle punctures the lung. If you feel shortness of breath, sharp stabbing pain, nausea, or dizziness after a treatment, then please seek medical help immediately.  

Contact your acupuncturist as soon as practicable. DrYoung@retreatmentwellness.com