What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Session
Your Guide to Getting Started with Acupuncture in Victoria, BC
If you’re considering acupuncture for the first time, you may be wondering what actually happens during a session. At Remedy Wellness Centre in Victoria, BC, your experience begins with a comprehensive consultation and ends with a treatment plan tailored just for you. Acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all therapy—each session is personalized based on your unique symptoms, health history, and wellness goals.
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your first acupuncture visit.
Your First Acupuncture Visit: What Happens?
1. Comprehensive Health Assessment
Your first visit starts with an in-depth consultation. Your registered acupuncturist will:
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Review your complete health history based on the information you provide on your health history form and verbally
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Ask about current symptoms, lifestyle, diet, and emotional well-being
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Discuss your treatment goals (e.g. pain relief, stress reduction, hormone balance, digestive support)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body holistically, so this intake is key to understanding how your body is functioning as a whole.
2. Pulse and Tongue Diagnosis
Unique to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your practitioner may perform a:
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Pulse diagnosis by feeling the pulse on both wrists to assess organ and meridian health
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Tongue inspection to identify patterns of disharmony in the body
These diagnostic tools help your acupuncturist determine the root cause of your symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves.
3. Individualized Treatment Plan
Based on your intake and diagnostic findings, your acupuncturist will develop a customized treatment plan. This may include a combination of TCM techniques such as:
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Acupuncture needling to stimulate specific acupoints
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Cupping therapy to increase circulation and reduce tension
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Tui Na massage to release muscular and energetic blockages
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Acupressure or Gua Sha for added therapeutic support
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Lifestyle and dietary guidance
Each session is adapted to your individual needs to optimize your healing process.
What About the Follow-Up Sessions?
While the initial appointment typically lasts 60 minutes, follow-up sessions are generally 45 to 60 minutes. These appointments continue the work outlined in your treatment plan and are adjusted based on how you respond.
How Often Should I Come?
For best results, most patients are advised to attend weekly sessions for at least 3–6 weeks, depending on:
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The chronicity and severity of your symptoms
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How your body responds to treatment
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Whether you’re dealing with one issue or multiple overlapping conditions
Acupuncture is cumulative, meaning that each session builds upon the last. You may start to notice changes after one or two visits, but deeper, long-term issues often require more time to address fully.
Will My Acupuncturist Recommend Homecare?
Yes! To support your results between sessions, your acupuncturist may suggest:
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Lifestyle changes (e.g. sleep, stress management, hydration)
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Nutritional guidance or meal timing based on TCM theory
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Supplements to support internal balance
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Simple at-home acupressure or breathing exercises
These holistic recommendations are designed to amplify the effects of your treatments and support your overall wellness.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes—when performed by a qualified, licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is a safe, minimally invasive treatment with very few side effects. All needles used at Remedy Wellness Centre are sterile, single-use, and extremely fine, making treatments virtually painless for most people.
Many patients find sessions deeply relaxing, often describing them as a “reset” for the mind and body.
Ready to Start Your Acupuncture Journey in Victoria, BC?
At Remedy Wellness Centre, our skilled acupuncturists provide personalized, evidence-informed care designed to help you feel your best. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, hormone imbalance, stress, fatigue, or digestive issues, we’re here to support your healing journey every step of the way.
📍 Conveniently located in Victoria, BC