Removing your fears and anxieties about acupuncture treatment will go a long way in ensuring your treatment is a success. I have provided details below so you know what to expect before you come in. If you have any questions at all, please contact me.

Preparing for Your First Acupuncture Treatment

To enhance the value of treatment, I recommend the following pretreatment preparation:

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing with undergarments. Gowns and linens are available, depending on the area of your body receiving treatment.
• Do not eat a large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
• Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages 6 prior to treatment.
• Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be physically exert yourself. This is especially important for the first few visits.
• You should continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
• You should make an effort to keep notes of how you respond to the treatment. This will be helpful to me in assessing your progress and making adjustments, if necessary.

Please arrive five minutes early so that you can relax, clear your mind, and prepare for your session.

What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment

We would have already conducted an initial consultation and determined your plan of treatment, so we can begin straightaway. Depending on your particular treatment plan, your first treatment can take anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes.

Most people find receiving treatment to be quite relaxing. You lie comfortably on a padded table for treatment. Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. I will tell you the general area of the targeted and if you need to remove any clothing. If appropriate, a gown or linen is provided.

For first time patients, I always explain the treatment step by step as I proceed. In some cases where acupuncture is augmented by other procedures—cupping, massages, moxibustion—for example, I always explain my steps before taking any action.

My needling technique is very gentle; most clients feel nothing more than a small initial pinch upon needle insertion. After the needle is in place, I may stimulate it to encourage the arrival of Qi to that acupuncture point. The arrival of Qi feels different for everyone: you may feel something akin to a dull ache, a tingling, a numbing, or warmth at the acupoint. Rarely is there any pain. If you are uncomfortable at any time, please inform me at once. Everyone experience different levels of sensitivity, so I work closely with you to make sure your experience is comfortable and positive.

I use the finest quality, most expensive American, Japanese, and Chinese needles on the market. These needles are sterilized, single-use and disposable. Needles typically remain in place anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, allowing Qi to flow, allowing the body to heal, while you rest comfortably.

After Your Acupuncture Treatment

How you’ll feel afterwards varies greatly from patient to patient and from session to session. Some treatments may leave you relaxed and energized; others may leave you with a desire to rest. Some treatments may leave you relaxed and energized; others may leave you with a desire to rest. Some people begin to feel relief after their very first session. If we are treating multiple issues at once or if you have more severe case, a series of treatments may be required. The number of visits and the frequency of visits will be outlined during your initial consultation. We will assess your progress at the beginning of each new session.

It is my aim to heal your initial complaints upon completion of your prescribed treatment sessions. Some patients continue regular treatments as a preventative measure and to maintain good health.

Ready to get started with Acupuncture?

It will be helpful to both of us if you have reviewed and completed both my Consent for Treatment and Health History Form prior to your first appointment.

Kristin Lundeen Acupuncture accepts most major insurance companies, as well as auto accident cases and worker’s comp cases. In some cases an insurance company may not have us listed in their directory or on their website, but that does not mean we cannot work with that company. I am happy to verify your insurance coverage so that you an work with me. Cash, credit/debit card, or personal checks are the accepted form of payment. Payment is due at time service is rendered.

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