You must prepare for an acupuncture appointment just as you would prepare for a haircut by washing your hair, or a party by getting ready. Arriving to your acupuncture appointment physically and emotionally prepared can help you in attaining the results you desire in a relaxing, comfortable manner without any stressing or rushing. Let us look at the 10 ways you can arrive to your acupuncture appointment ready to go!

1. Think twice before you schedule
Make sure you schedule your appointment wisely. This means not scheduling before or after a stressful event or project! You want to be relaxed, and know that only peace surrounds your session. Don’t squeeze in your appointment on your lunch break, between meetings or in the middle of important events.

2. Make sure to eat
Don’t show up to your appointment starving, but also make sure not to show up too full. A light, healthy meal is perfect about 1-2 hours before your appointment. You want to feel satisfied and comfortable as you may be lying on your stomach for a large portion of the session.

3. Avoid sugary drinks, coffee and alcohol
What coffee does is flood your body with caffeine, releasing chemicals that kick it into high gear. Acupuncture works to pull your body and state of being into parasympathetic mode, allowing it to relax and enter a state of peace and zen. Alcohol, on the other hand, can do quite the opposite and slow down your responses and blur your vision and mental clarity.

Drinking soda/highly sugary drinks, coffee or alcohol can alter your heart beat and the state of your tongue, which makes the acupuncturist unable to complete an accurate reading of your tongue and pulse.

4. Wear loose, comfortable clothing 
Wear your most comfortable clothing. Loose clothing that is made of natural fibres is optimal during your acupuncture session. It will allow your skin to breathe, and your body to fully relax without the constriction of tight jeans, underwired bras or sweaty, synthetic materials.

This will also help the practitioner access areas of your body for treatment with ease.

5. Make a mental note of your medical history
Your acupuncturist will have a little chat with you before your session regarding medical history, or any traumatic experiences contributing to depression, anxiety or any other conditions you seek to treat.

Before your appointment, make a mental note of any contributing factors to your current condition, should your practitioner ask; things like skin eczema, divorce, insomnia, a break-up etc…

6. Dedicate your day to your appointment and relax
This goes back to number one of our list. Finding a day for your acupuncture session that is free of stressful events, work projects, or other appointments will ensure you get the most out of your time with the acupuncturist. It will allow your mind and body to relax, and focus solely on mentally preparing or winding down from the treatment. A short meditation session beforehand could do you a world of good!

7. Wear minimal makeup, jewelry or watches
Showing up clean of excess chemicals such as makeup will ensure optimal results following your treatment. Jewelry is also advised against as it can be uncomfortable to wear throughout the session, create pressure on certain areas of the body and interfere with treatment.

8. Turn off your cellphone.
Having minimal interruptions from the outside world is vital in bringing about positive change and results. The body heals the best while it is in at the deep state of relaxation and a zen-like state, which is why a ringing cellphone would only slow down and interrupt that process.

9. Be vocal about what you’re feeling
You may experience slight pain, burning, or throbbing in the needled area. If these symptoms occur, do let the practitioner know so he/she can adjust the treatment or stop it completely (don’t worry, these symptoms are normal!).

10. Reflect on your progress until your next session
This step is important in order for your acupuncturist to be able to analyze and apply the next treatment plan. When he/she knows how your mind and body reacted during the weeks after your appointment, changes and adjustments can easily be made accordingly.

Want to experience acupuncture for yourself? Contact Prestige if you have any questions, and book an acupuncture appointment! Our licensed, knowledgable and experienced acupuncturist Azadeh Baradaran will ensure you are comfortable throughout your session and achieve optimal results.