What to expect at your first appointment | Acupuncture Kelowna
Overview of your first session
During your first acupuncture session, you can expect a comprehensive consultation where the practitioner will review your health history, discuss your current concerns, and may perform diagnostic assessments such as pulse, abdomen and tongue examination. The treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on your body, which is generally painless and may induce a deep sense of relaxation. To prepare, it's advisable to eat a light meal beforehand, wear loose-fitting clothing for easy access to acupuncture points, and avoid caffeine or alcohol prior to the session. After the treatment, you might feel relaxed or energized; it's recommended to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities immediately following the session.
Booking Your First Appointment
You can book directly through our online booking system, which makes it easy to choose a time that works for you.
If you're coming in for one main issue and are in relatively good health then book the initial consultation for 1 concern.
If you’re navigating multiple concerns or a chronic condition, we highly recommend booking a 90-minute initial consultation for multiple concerns.
The Intake and treatment
When you arrive at our Kelowna clinic we’ll spend 20 to 30 minutes sitting down together and discussing what brought you in. From there, we explore:
How and when the symptoms began
Key systems like sleep, digestion, urination, appetite, and menstruation (if applicable)
Emotional patterns and environmental influences
Past treatments or diagnoses
Using Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) principles, we look for patterns and often connect symptoms that might seem unrelated.
Diagnostic Tools: Palpation, Pulse, and Tongue
Unlike many modern systems, Chinese medicine relies heavily on touch and observation. Once we’ve talked, I’ll confirm patterns using traditional diagnostics:
Pulse reading at the wrist
Abdominal palpation to find areas of tension or blockage
Tongue observation (sometimes)
These tools help confirm what we uncovered during the conversation, giving us a more complete map of how your body is communicating an imbalance.
Acupuncture and/or Herbal Medicine
Depending on your needs, you may receive:
Acupuncture
I use a hybrid style of acupuncture, blending several systems. One of the core methods I use is abdominal palpation to guide point selection.
I look for areas of tenderness or stagnation in the abdomen
Then choose acupuncture points (often from the elbows or knees down) to release, nourish, or activate healing along the related meridians
Balance Method
We incorporate a style called balance method developed by the late Dr. Richard Tan. This method uses a series of systems to balnce out the “sick”meridian. A “sick” meridian is the pathway or area where you experience pain or discomfort.
You'll then rest on the table for 15 to 30 minutes, letting your body integrate the treatment. The goal is to open communication within your internal systems and let your body do what it’s naturally designed to do — heal.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
If you're not receiving acupuncture or if your case would benefit from additional support, we may design a custom herbal formula.
Herbs are selected based on your unique pattern
Most formulas are taken for as little as 2 weeks and as long as 3 month, depending on the condition.
They're especially helpful in chronic or complex conditions
Follow-Up and Health Plans
Most people with chronic conditions start with weekly acupuncture for 4 to 6 weeks, with herbs often added in for deeper support. We’ll reassess as we go and adjust your plan based on how your body responds.
Whether you're exploring acupuncture for the first time, seeking help with chronic illness, or curious about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, we’re here to help. Please reach out if you have any questions - info@acupuncturekelowna.com.