Patient guide

Evidence-informed answers to the most common questions about acupuncture and TCM — written for patients, not practitioners.

First visit · 5 min read

What to expect at your first acupuncture appointment

A step-by-step look at what happens when you walk through the door — intake, needles, aftercare, and what to ask your practitioner.

Common questions · 4 min read

What the sensation actually feels like — and why most patients are pleasantly surprised by how little they feel.

Treatment · 5 min read

Honest timelines for common conditions based on research — and a guide to knowing when to reassess.

Comparison · 6 min read

Two techniques that look similar but differ in training, theory, and scope — and what the research says for back pain specifically.

Safety · 5 min read

What the evidence says, which trimesters need extra care, and the questions worth asking before your first session.