Before You Arrive
Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before your appointment — you don't want to be on an empty stomach, but a full stomach can be uncomfortable lying down. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily rolled up to the knees and elbows. Avoid caffeine if possible, and try not to rush.
The Intake Consultation (30 minutes)
Your first visit begins with a thorough conversation. Janice will ask about your main health concerns, but also about your sleep, digestion, energy levels, emotional state, menstrual health (for women), and medical history. This holistic picture is essential in Chinese medicine — the body is understood as an interconnected system, and symptoms in one area often reflect imbalances elsewhere.
Janice will also examine your tongue (its color, coating, and shape reveal a great deal about your internal health) and feel your pulse at three positions on each wrist — these diagnostic tools, refined over thousands of years, give information that no Western test captures.
The Treatment (45–60 minutes)
You'll lie comfortably on a treatment table. Janice inserts very fine, sterile, single-use needles at carefully selected points. The needles are about the width of a human hair — dramatically thinner than a hypodermic needle. Most people feel little to nothing, or a mild sensation of pressure, warmth, or a dull ache that quickly subsides. This sensation — called "De Qi" — is a sign the point has been activated.
Once the needles are in, you'll rest for 25–35 minutes. Most patients fall into a deeply relaxed state — somewhere between sleep and waking. The needles are then gently removed, which you may not even notice.
How You'll Feel Afterward
Most patients feel calm, light, and clear-headed after treatment — what regulars call the "acupuncture high." Some feel a little tired, especially after their first few sessions, as the body begins processing the treatment. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise immediately after. Avoid alcohol the day of treatment.