How Should I Prepare for My Acupuncture Appointment?

Before Your Appointment

Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before your appointment. Acupuncture on an empty stomach can cause lightheadedness; acupuncture immediately after a heavy meal can be uncomfortable as treatment stimulates circulation and digestive activity simultaneously.

Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment — alcohol dilates blood vessels and can make you more susceptible to lightheadedness after needling. Avoid vigorous exercise immediately before treatment, as elevated adrenaline and cortisol can interfere with the relaxation response.

What to Bring

Bring a list of any medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking — this is important for herbal medicine safety assessment. If you have relevant medical reports, imaging results, or pathology (blood tests) from the past 12 months, these can be helpful but are not required.

If you are a female patient seeking treatment for menstrual or fertility conditions, starting a basic menstrual diary (first day of period, duration, flow, any pain or symptoms) before your first appointment will help your practitioner build a picture of your cycle. For BBT-charting patients, bring your chart to each appointment.