“Wonderful first time experience! Yuanling is so kind and has a beautiful, caring energy. She took the time to get to know me and my specific pain issues to make sure the session was customized to my needs.”Kam, patient
Your First Acupuncture Visit in Norwood, MA What happens at your first visit, and how to prepare
Coming in for the first time is easier when you know what to expect. Here is how to prepare, what happens during your 90-minute visit, and how to care for yourself afterward.
Your first visit at a glance
- 90 minutesTime to talk, evaluate, and treat
- $210Evaluation and treatment, without insurance coverage. With coverage: $120 + your copay. See rates
- 470 Washington St Ste 22Norwood, MA 02062. Parking is free.
- Easy online bookingOr call (508) 202-8447
Getting started
Why your first visit is longer
In Chinese medicine, no two people are treated the same way. Two people can come in with the same headache and have very different patterns behind it. So before Yuanling places a single needle, she takes time to understand the whole picture: your health history, your daily life, and what you hope to change.
Think of a river. To understand why the water runs low in one place, you look upstream. Your first visit gives Yuanling the time to look upstream, so your treatment addresses the cause and not only the symptom.
That is why your first visit is 90 minutes. Follow-up visits are about an hour, and each one builds on what you shared at the first.
Before your visit
How to prepare
A little preparation lets us spend more of your visit on you. None of it is complicated.
Book your visit
Choose a time that suits you online, or call us at (508) 202-8447.
Share your insurance information
If you plan to use insurance, send us your plan name and member ID after you book. We will verify your benefits before you come in. How insurance works
Fill in your health forms
Health questionnaire is available on the website, feel free to fill it out at home, or you can come in a few minutes early to fill it in the office.
Bring a list of medications
Include any medications and supplements you take, and recent test results if you have them. They help Yuanling see the whole picture.
Wear comfortable clothing
Loose clothing that rolls up easily above the elbows and knees makes it easy to reach the points you need.
Eat a light meal and hydrate
Have something light to eat and drink some water an hour or two before you come, so that your body is comfortable and then you can relax and enjoy your treatment.
Finding us
We are on the second floor of 470 Washington St, Suite 22, in the center of Norwood. Parking is free, and the side entrance has an elevator. If you are running late, please call us at (508) 202-8447.
During your visit
What happens at your first visit
Your first visit follows a gentle order: we talk first, then Yuanling evaluates, then she treats. You are welcome to ask questions at any point.
If acupuncture is new to you, tell her. She will explain each step as she goes.
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We begin with a conversation
Yuanling asks about what brought you in, your health history, and how you sleep, eat, and feel day to day. Every detail helps her understand your body.
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An evaluation of your energy
She then evaluates the energetic system of your body to find your specific pattern and where Qi is out of balance. In Chinese medicine, this usually includes looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse.
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Your first treatment
You rest comfortably on the treatment table while she places fine, sterile needles at points along your meridian pathways. Most people feel only a light tap, then a deep calm as the nervous system settles.
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A plan for your care
Before you leave, Yuanling explains what she found and suggests a plan. She may give you direction on lifestyle and eating habits and, when it will help, a custom herbal formula.
After your visit
After your first treatment
How you may feel
Most people leave feeling relaxed. Some feel a little tired, and others feel more energy. Both are normal as your body finds its balance.
Caring for yourself
Drink water, eat a nourishing meal, and give yourself a quiet evening if you can. It is best to avoid overexerting yourself for the rest of the day.
Your follow-up visits
Healing is a process. The number of visits you need varies, depending on your condition, how long you have had it, and how you respond. Follow-up visits are about an hour.
Other services
Coming in for NAET or herbal medicine?
Your first visit follows the same order, whatever brings you in. We talk first, so Yuanling understands your body before she recommends anything.
For allergies and sensitivities, she uses muscle testing to check how your body responds to specific items. We usually begin with the 15 basic food groups, the foundation of NAET.
For herbal medicine, the initial consultation is $120, and your custom formula is $35 per week. Follow-ups can be done by phone.
How long is the first visit?
Your first visit is 90 minutes. That includes time to talk through your health history, an evaluation, and your first treatment. Follow-up visits are about an hour.
Will I receive a treatment at my first visit?
Yes. After the conversation and evaluation, Yuanling treats you the same day, so you leave having had your first treatment.
What should I bring?
Bring your insurance card if you plan to use insurance, a list of any medications and supplements you take, and recent test results if you have them.
What should I wear, and should I eat first?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that rolls up easily above the elbows and knees. Have a light meal and drink some water an hour or two before, rather than coming in on an empty stomach.
I am nervous about needles. Is that okay?
Yes, many first-time patients are. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, much finer than a needle for a shot. Let Yuanling know how you feel. She will explain each step and go at your pace.
Should I keep taking my medications?
Yes. Keep taking any medications as your doctor prescribed, and let your doctor know you are receiving acupuncture. Bring a list of your medications so Yuanling can take them into account.
How much does the first visit cost?
Without insurance coverage for acupuncture, you receive an insurance discount, and your first appointment is $210: an evaluation ($120) and an acupuncture treatment ($90). If your insurance covers acupuncture, you pay the $120 evaluation fee plus your copay. We are in-network with BlueCross BlueShield, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Aetna, and Harvard Pilgrim, and we verify your benefits before you come in. See pricing and insurance for all rates.
How many visits will I need?
It varies, depending on what you are treating, how long you have had it, and how your body responds. Yuanling will talk through a plan with you at the end of your first visit.
We look forward to meeting you
Book your first visit online, or call us with any questions before you come in.