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Trees and Mountains

What to Expect at Your Acupuncture Visit

Relaxing. Personalized. Rooted in care.

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If you’re new to acupuncture, you might be wondering:
What does it feel like? Will it hurt? What should I do to prepare?

 

At Mulberry Acupuncture & Wellness, we’re here to make your first experience feel calm, supported, and completely tailored to you. From the moment you arrive, our focus is on helping you feel safe, seen, and deeply cared for — whether you’re coming in for pain, hormones, stress, digestion, or something you’re still trying to figure out.

 

Your First Visit: What’s Included

Your initial session lasts about 75-90 minutes and includes both an in-depth consultation and a full acupuncture treatment.

 

Here’s what to expect:

  • A Comprehensive Health Consultation
    We’ll go beyond symptoms and explore your full health picture — your medical history, current concerns, cycle patterns, medications, digestion, sleep, stress levels, and long-term wellness goals.

  • Pulse and Tongue Diagnosis
    These traditional diagnostic tools help us understand your internal balance and guide your treatment approach.

  • A Personalized Treatment Plan
    You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your unique pattern, what we’re focusing on, how often to come in, and how we’ll track progress together.

  • Your First Acupuncture Session
    Based on your needs, we’ll gently insert ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points. Most people feel little to no discomfort — and many find the experience deeply calming.

 

You’ll then rest for 20–30 minutes in a quiet, cozy room with soft music. This is your time to exhale, reset, and allow your body to begin the healing process.

 

What Acupuncture Feels Like

Acupuncture should never be painful. You may feel a small prick as the needle is placed — or nothing at all. Once the point is activated, you might notice a dull ache, gentle pressure, warmth, tingling, or heaviness. This sensation, known as de qi, means your body is responding to the treatment.

If anything ever feels uncomfortable, we’ll adjust immediately. Your comfort and safety are always our top priority.

 

Additional Therapies We May Use

We often combine acupuncture with other gentle techniques to enhance results. These may include:

  • Cupping to release tension and improve circulation

  • Gua Sha to break up stagnation and relieve muscle tightness

  • Moxibustion (moxa) to warm the body and nourish energy

  • Electrical stimulation (e-stim) for nerve or chronic pain support

Everything we do is fully explained ahead of time, and you’ll always have the option to say yes or no.

 

Follow-Up Sessions & Treatment Frequency

 

Most follow-up appointments are about 60 minutes. We’ll check in on how you’re feeling, reassess your pulse and tongue, and continue with your customized care plan.

Here’s a typical treatment schedule:

  • 2x/week for 2–3 weeks to build momentum

  • 1x/week for 3–4 weeks as symptoms improve

  • Biweekly, monthly, or seasonal visits for long-term support and prevention

This step-down approach helps your results last longer and reduces the chances of symptoms returning.

 

What You Might Notice After Treatment

Everyone responds a little differently — but most people report feeling deeply relaxed, grounded, or pleasantly sleepy. Others feel energized, clear, or lighter in their body.

As your treatments progress, you may notice:

  • Better sleep

  • Improved digestion

  • Fewer headaches or pain flares

  • A more stable mood

  • Easier cycles

  • Increased resilience to stress

Even if you don’t have a specific diagnosis, acupuncture helps support your body’s natural balance and vitality.

 

How to Prepare for Your Visit

  • Eat a light snack beforehand (avoid coming on an empty stomach)

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing

  • Bring your questions — we love explaining how it all works

 

You’re in Good Hands

Whether this is your very first acupuncture visit or your first time in a while, we’re so glad you’re here. Our team is honored to walk with you on your healing journey and help you feel safe, informed, and empowered every step of the way.

 

Ready to begin?
Book your first appointment and let’s get started.

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