What to expect
What to expect at your first visit
There’s nothing to prepare except a light meal and comfortable clothes. Here’s how the 75 minutes go.
Four steps
Most people say the hardest part is walking in the door.
- 1
Book and tell us a little
Booking asks what brings you in. A $25 deposit holds your time and comes off your bill. It returns to your card if you cancel 24 hours ahead.
- 2
Arrive and talk with Maren
Come 10 minutes early for tea and a short health history form. Then about 25 minutes on your health, sleep, digestion and goals. She looks at your tongue and feels your pulse to decide where to place needles.
- 3
Rest with the needles
A few fine needles go in, you get a blanket and the lights go low. Rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Say the word and Maren will adjust or remove any of them.
- 4
Plan what comes next
Maren suggests how often to come, often weekly at first and then less. You decide. You pay per visit, with no packages to buy.
In the treatment room
Quiet, warm and unhurried
The treatment room is small, with a heated table, soft blankets and a pillow for your knees. You stay dressed. A loose shirt and pants you can roll up to the knee and elbow are all Maren needs.
If you’d rather sit, or can’t lie flat, we’ll treat you in a chair.
- Single-use, sterile needles, discarded after every patient
- A heated table with bolsters for comfort
- Fragrance-free, with soft lights and music on request
- 75 minnew-patient visit
- 50 minfollow-ups
- 20–30 minresting with needles
- $110first visit, $25 deposit
What to wear
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Sleeves that push up past the elbow and pants that roll above the knee make it easy. If you’re coming for your shoulder or back, a tank top or a camisole helps, and we’ll drape you with a blanket.
What to eat
Eat a light meal one to two hours before, and don’t come hungry. Skip the extra coffee; it can make resting harder.
What to bring
A list of your medications and supplements, or the bottles themselves. If you have recent test results that relate to your concern, bring those too.
How many visits?
It depends. Many patients try three to six visits and see how they respond. Maren will tell you plainly if she doesn’t think it’s working.
First-visit questions
Does it hurt?
Most people feel very little. Acupuncture needles are about as thin as a hair, and what you notice is often a brief pinch, or a dull, heavy or warm feeling. Tell Maren if anything bothers you and she’ll adjust it.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothing, with sleeves and pant legs that roll up above the elbow and knee. You stay dressed, and we’ll give you a blanket.
Should I eat before I come?
Yes, a light meal one to two hours before. Don’t come hungry, and go easy on caffeine.
How many visits will I need?
It varies. Many patients try three to six visits and see how they respond. Maren will tell you honestly if she doesn’t think it’s helping.
Ready to book?
New-patient visits are 75 minutes with a $25 deposit that comes off your bill.