As with a visit to any medical professional, there will be a bit of paperwork to complete. There are printable downloads of these on this website, please feel free to fill them out and bring them on your first visit.

Second is a consultation, in which symptoms, thoughts, feelings, concerns will be heard and discussed. There is a tongue examination before the actual treatment, so please be sure to neither smoke, chew gum, eat candy, or any thing which discolors the mouth, nor tongue brush an hour before your appointment. It is recommended that you come with neither an empty nor full stomach. Do eat something light.

The third part of your visit is the acupuncture session. Acupuncture is performed with metallic, hair thin needles. Though there are a wide range of experiences, most patients feel little to no pain when the needles are inserted. After the needle insertion, the body eases around the needles allowing the sensation of pain (if there is any) to dissolve. Acupuncture sessions leave people with feelings ranging from relaxed to energized. During a session, which lasts only fifteen to twenty minutes, it is important to remain as still as possible to prevent the needles from moving, which can cause soreness and pain during treatment.

Because treatment is shaped around the individual, it is important to remember that your experience is your own, and should be regarded as a sacred step toward your own healing.

Is Acupuncture Safe?
In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners. Under this law, acupuncturists are required to use sterile, nontoxic needles for single use only. At WEEM, we use a new set of disposable needles taken from sealed packages for each patient. And to further ensure cleanliness, the treatment area is swabbed with alcohol or another disinfectant before the needles are administered.  Acupuncture is a safe and clean process of healing.

Does it hurt?
Many people are concerned about receiving acupuncture and think it might hurt.  As mentioned earlier, every patient has a different experience while receiving acupuncture. Mainly, people do not experience pain, merely feel a gentle prick as each needle is inserted which usually dissolves into relief. The treatments are very relaxing and many people briefly drift off to sleep. Should you experience pain, please be sure to tell your acupuncturist so that they may remove any uncomfortably placed needles. Rarely, one may experience bruising and/or soreness after a treatment.

Post Acupuncture Care

• Please refrain from heavy exercise, sexual activity, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages or recreational drugs within 6 hours before or after treatment, as they will interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Please refrain from entering a Jacuzzi or sauna, or taking an extremely hot bath or shower for six hours after your treatment.
• Plan rest after each session, especially on your first few visits.
• Be sure to drink plenty of water after your treatment.
• Continue to take any prescription medication as directed by your doctor.
• Acupuncture is an excellent adjunct therapy to massage, physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments. If these treatments are on the same day as your acupuncture session, please be sure all practitioners are aware of this so that treatments can be adjusted to enhance your therapy.
• Remember to keep notes on your responses to your acupuncture sessions. This will help the practitioner design the best follow-up treatment for you.