What to Expect: Acupuncture

Never had acupuncture? Here’s exactly what happens — no surprises.

What a session is really like

The most common thing I hear after a first session is “that wasn’t bad at all.” The needles are hair-thin — nothing like a shot or blood draw. Most people feel deeply relaxed, and many fall asleep.

Acupuncturist placing hair-thin needles during a treatment session

Step 1 — Your first visit

We talk first

Before any needles, we go through your health history, what you’re dealing with, and what you’ve already tried. I want the full picture — not just where it hurts. For orthopedic issues, I’ll also run through some physical tests to pinpoint what’s going on.

Step 2 — The treatment

Then you rest

You’ll lie comfortably while I place hair-thin, sterile, single-use needles at specific points. You might feel a brief pinch or dull ache — normal, and it fades fast. For some orthopedic cases, I add e-stim (electrical stimulation) to the needles to get the muscles firing — these sessions feel more stimulating. Then you rest for 20-30 minutes. Most people find this deeply relaxing.

Step 3 — After your session

What to expect

You might feel relaxed, energized, or a little spacey — all normal. Drink water and take it easy the rest of the day. Some people feel immediate relief; for chronic issues it usually takes a few sessions to build momentum.

Good to know

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing — I need access to arms, legs, sometimes back.
  • Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before — don’t come on an empty stomach.
  • First visit: ~75-90 minutes ($175)
  • Follow-ups: ~60 minutes ($120)

Ready to try it?

Start with a free intro call. We’ll talk about what you’re dealing with and whether acupuncture makes sense.

Book a free intro call →