Here is how we make your first visit easy
Starting something new can feel uncertain, especially if you have never experienced acupuncture before. This page explains what will happen so you can arrive feeling comfortable and prepared.
1. Arrival
Please arrive 5–10 minutes early for your first appointment.
There is reserved parking for Victoria Healing Space. If a spot is not available, you may park in the winery parking area. To enter the building, please buzz 205 and we will let you in. For security, the main entrance remains locked.
The clinic is located on the second floor (18 steps) and unfortunately is not wheelchair accessible.
Your first appointment is 75 minutes. Please complete the intake form before your visit so I can review it carefully in advance and prepare for your treatment. At the beginning of the appointment we will go over your health history and discuss your main concerns.
2. Consultation
Your visit begins with a conversation. We will talk about the issue that brought you in as well as sleep, digestion, stress, temperature regulation, and energy levels. In Traditional Chinese Medicine these details help identify patterns in the body and guide treatment.
I will also check your pulse and observe your tongue. For this reason, please avoid coffee and strongly coloured foods or drinks before your appointment if possible.
Many patients say they already feel relief simply from being listened to and understood.
3. The Needles
This is the part most people worry about — and usually the part that surprises them.
• All needles are sterile, single-use, and safely disposed of
• They are extremely thin, much finer than injection needles
• Most people feel little to no discomfort
• Many patients relax deeply and sometimes fall asleep
4. During Treatment
You will rest comfortably on a treatment table in a quiet room for about 20–35 minutes while the needles are in place. The goal is to allow your nervous system to settle so the body can respond naturally.
We aim to create a calm, home-like atmosphere. Each treatment bed is heated and motorized so your position can be adjusted easily. If you feel too warm or too cool, it can be changed immediately. We provide soft linens, cozy blankets, and fans or warming options as needed.
For your safety and comfort, all linens are changed after every patient.
5. After Treatment
After a session you may feel:
• relaxed and calm
• pleasantly tired
• lighter in the body
Occasionally there may be mild soreness at a needle point, which usually resolves quickly.
Small bruises can sometimes occur, especially in sensitive areas or if your skin bruises easily. They are harmless and typically fade within a few days.
A small number of patients may feel lightheaded or dizzy after treatment. For this reason, it is helpful to eat a light meal about one hour before your appointment and to stand up slowly after the session. You are always welcome to sit and rest in the clinic before leaving.
6. How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Acute conditions may improve within a few treatments, while long-standing concerns usually require a course of care. We reassess regularly and adjust the treatment plan together based on your progress.
Acupuncture supports the body’s natural regulation, so consistent treatments often provide the most lasting results.
7. Practical Details
• Please wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Insurance receipts are provided after each visit
Our goal is for you to feel safe, cared for, and at ease throughout your visit. If you have any questions before your appointment, you are always welcome to contact us.