First Time Visit

First Time Visit

First Time Visit


Welcome to Your First Acupuncture Appointment!


What to Expect on Your First Visit

  1. Initial Consultation and Health Assessment
    • During the initial consultation, Dr. Ma will conduct a thorough review of your health history, current concerns, and lifestyle. This allows him to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
    • You’ll be asked about your primary health goals, past treatments, and any underlying conditions, such as pain, digestive issues, mental health concerns, or skin conditions.
  2. Pulse and Tongue Diagnosis
    • As part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dr. Ma will check your pulse and tongue to gain insight into your body’s internal state. These diagnostic tools help in understanding energy flow (Qi) and identifying imbalances.
  3. Your First Treatment
    • Based on your health assessment, Dr. Ma will insert fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints along your body’s meridians. This process is gentle and typically pain-free, designed to restore balance and promote natural healing.
    • Acupuncture sessions generally last between 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll be able to relax during this time as the needles work to stimulate healing and rebalance your energy.

How to Prepare for Your First Visit

  1. Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing so that the areas where the needles are inserted (arms, legs, abdomen) are easily accessible.
  2. Eat Lightly: Avoid coming in on an empty stomach. A light meal or snack an hour before your appointment is ideal to help prevent dizziness or fatigue.
  3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Try to avoid stimulants and alcohol at least 24 hours before your appointment. These can affect the accuracy of pulse diagnosis and how your body responds to treatment.
  4. Bring a List of Medications: If you are taking any medication or supplements, please bring a list with you so Dr. Ma can consider it when forming your treatment plan.

After Your First Treatment

  1. Relax and Hydrate: After your acupuncture session, it’s best to rest and hydrate. Acupuncture encourages your body to enter a state of deep relaxation and healing, so listen to your body and take it easy.
  2. Notice Changes: Pay attention to any changes in how you feel, whether it’s in your pain levels, digestion, or overall energy. Acupuncture works progressively, so regular sessions may be needed for sustained results.
  3. Follow-Up Appointments: Based on your condition, Dr. Ma may recommend a follow-up schedule to maximize your healing and long-term wellness. Each follow-up visit will build on the progress made in the previous sessions.

New Client Forms

To make your first visit as smooth as possible, please take a moment to download and complete the New Patient Intake Form before your appointment. This form helps us understand your medical history and current health concerns.


We look forward to helping you on your journey to better health!