If you are new to acupuncture, the first appointment can feel like a lot to imagine. At Free the Qi, a Japanese-style appointment starts with conversation, consent and context before any treatment is considered.
This article is general information. Your own appointment should be guided by your history, comfort, current symptoms and advice from your usual health team.
The appointment starts with your story
Your first visit is usually longer so there is time to understand why you are booking. Depending on your reason for attending, the conversation may include:
- your main concern and when it started
- sleep, stress, digestion, fatigue and pain patterns
- cycle, pregnancy, postpartum or fertility context where relevant
- medication, diagnoses and current care from other practitioners
- what has helped, aggravated or changed the concern
This helps determine whether acupuncture, moxa, cupping, herbs, supplements or referral discussion is appropriate.
Japanese acupuncture is usually gentle
Japanese acupuncture often uses fine needles, light stimulation and palpation-led assessment. Some people feel a small prick, warmth, heaviness, a dull ache or a soft tingling sensation. The style used should be adapted to your comfort and what is suitable on the day.
If you feel nervous, say so early. Needle sensitivity, fainting history, pregnancy, medication, bleeding or clotting concerns and previous treatment reactions are all worth mentioning before treatment begins.
Consent stays active
You can ask what is being considered, where needles may be placed and what you might feel. If an area needs to be accessed, draping and consent should be discussed first. You can also ask to pause, change position or avoid a technique.
What to book first
Most new patients start with an initial appointment. If you want more detail before booking, read the first acupuncture appointment guide, the Japanese acupuncture Brisbane guide, or compare the West End and Samford Valley locations.