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Juntendo Clinic

515 E. Golf Rd., Suite 108

Arlington Heights, IL 60005 US

847-290-8339

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  • 8 Tips for a Successful Acupuncture Appointment

8 Tips for a Successful Acupuncture Appointment

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Woman getting acupuncture treatment

How to Get the Most Out of Your Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture offers a simple, effective way to treat illnesses, diseases, and injuries and may help you reduce your reliance on pain killers or other medications. These tips will help you ensure that your sessions are effective and rewarding.

1. Arrive Early

You're bound to feel a little stressed if you just spent the last 30 minutes fighting traffic on the way to your acupuncture appointment. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment will give you ample time to slow down and let go of those stressful feelings.

2. Just Relax

Does the idea of inserting needles into your skin sound a little scary? It's only natural to feel a little apprehensive before your first acupuncture appointment, particularly if you're unfamiliar with the needles acupuncturists use.

Acupuncture needles are much thinner than hypodermic or even sewing needles. In fact, they're no thicker than a human hair. Some people report a slight pinch or ache when the needles are inserted, while others don't even realize that the needles are in place. You may be more likely to feel the pinch if you're tense at the beginning of the session.

If you're feeling a little stressed or tense, breathe in slowly through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale through your mouth. Deep breathing is a simple way to reduce stress and make your acupuncture session more relaxing.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Your acupuncturist will be able to place the needles easily if you wear loose clothing that can be rolled up or pushed aside. It's best to skip tight or uncomfortable clothes if you'll be visiting the acupuncturist later in the day.

4. Eat Lightly

Eat a light meal or snack an hour or two before you arrive at the appointment. Your session might not be as productive if you're feeling hungry or lightheaded. Eating a heavy meal can cause an upset stomach, particularly if you lie down on the acupuncture table soon after eating. You'll be much more comfortable and more likely to receive the full benefit of your treatment if you schedule larger meals after your appointment.

Be sure to avoid alcohol and caffeine before your appointment. These substances can interfere with an accurate diagnosis and may delay healing.

5. Don't Brush Your Tongue

Avoiding tongue brushing probably sounds like a strange request. After all, brushing your tongue removes plaque from your mouth and helps you keep your breath fresher. In its natural state, your tongue provides important clues about the state of your health. If you brush it within 24 hours of your appointment, your acupuncturist may not have an accurate impression of your health.

According to Prevention, a yellow tongue may be a symptom of sluggish digestion, a purple tongue a sign of poor blood circulation, or a greasy tongue an indication of a poor diet. Checking out your tongue is just one of the ways your acupuncturist makes a diagnosis.

6. Don't Schedule Strenuous or Stressful Activities After Your Session

Avoid heavy exercise or activities that raise your stress level after your acupuncture appointment. You may notice that your acupuncture results last longer if you don't tax your body or mind after your session. Vigorous workouts at the gym or stressful meetings at work should be avoided during the day of your appointment if possible.

7. Follow Your Acupuncturist's Recommendations

In addition to performing acupuncture, your acupuncturist may also recommend dietary and lifestyle changes or prescribe herbal medications or supplements that will enhance the effects of your treatments. If you don't follow these suggestions, your treatment may not be quite as successful.

8. Be Patient

Although you'll probably begin to feel a little better after your first acupuncture session, you'll most likely need multiple appointments to fully address your problem. Patience is important, whether you're suffering from an injury, want to improve your gastrointestinal health, or are desperate for relief from frequent migraines. As your treatment progresses, you'll notice a marked improvement in your symptoms.

Acupuncture is a safe, helpful way to treat many physical and mental conditions, although it does take time. In fact, a meta-analysis of chronic pain research published in the Journal of Pain revealed that acupuncture offers an effective way to treat chronic pain and prevent symptoms from occurring again.

Have you been considering acupuncture? Contact us to schedule your appointment.

Sources:

Prevention: 5 Things an Acupuncturist Can Tell Just By Looking At Your Tongue, 8/19/16

Mayo Clinic: Acupuncture

Journal of Pain: Acupuncture of Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis, 5/1/18

  • We May Help You With
  • Modality Treatment
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  • Herbal and Nutritional Therapies
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    • Acupuncture Therapy
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      • Modality Treatment
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Monday:

2:00 pm-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

5:00 am-7:00 pm

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Testimonials

  • "Earlier this year, I woke up one day with extreme pain in my right shoulder. After a trip to the emergency room and an orthopedic surgeon appointment, it was discovered that I had calcific tendinopathy. The diagnosis was that I would need to be in a shoulder immobilizer for 3-4 months for painful rehab and months of harsh prescription medications. This is when I consulted with Dr. Kari and Kimberley. After the first treatment, I was able to remover the shoulder immobilizer. By the third treatment, I was back at full strength. I owe my ability to enjoy my summer to Juntendo Clinic and recommend Dr. Kari and Kimberly to everyone I speak with."
    C.F.
  • "I came to see Dr. Kari one year ago due to infertility. Dr. Kari used her knowledge and experience to help me have two healthy boys. I also did acupuncture throughout my pregnancy and that helped me stay energized and maintain a healthy pregnancy."
    J.H.
  • "Thank you so very much for treating my lower back pain caused by the sciatica nerve. The pain is completely gone. I would also like to thank you for being so thoughtful and concerned about my health."
    M.J.
  • "Acupuncture has helped me in many ways. No medical treatments helped me get pregnant, but acupuncture helped. Also I am more relaxed. Acupuncture brought light into my life. I got a beautiful daughter and I cannot be more thankful to Dr. Kari."
    Z.B.
  • "I believe acupuncture treatment helped me greatly to have a successful pregnancy. Especially going through a year of treatment."
    M.A.
  • "Helped with headaches, bloating, heartburn, and acupuncture has really helped with morning sickness. I started coming to the clinic in early this year. Dr. Ye has been a god send to me."
    E.P.
  • "Have a lot of confidence in Dr. Ye's knowledge and skills. Would refer others to Juntendo. Office is very clean / hygenic. Staff is professional and people oriented. Dr. Ye is very personable. I am very pleased with Juntendo."
    A.E. / Arlington Heights, IL

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