What to expect from Acupuncture

Your First Appointment in our Brockley Clinic

If you’ve never had acupuncture before, it’s natural to feel a little apprehensive. At A D Acupuncture, every step of the process will be carefully explained, ensuring you feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout your visit. Here’s what you can expect from your first appointment.

You’ve Scheduled Your Appointment

Congratulations—you’ve taken the first step on your acupuncture journey! Before your session, there are a few simple steps to complete.

Please review and sign our consent form, which is included in your confirmation email, and ensure your appointment is paid for.

If you have any relevant medical information—such as blood tests, scans, or reports from your doctor—please email these to us ahead of your appointment. Reviewing these in advance allows Alice to provide the most informed and personalised care possible.

If you have any accessibility needs, please feel welcome to inform us ahead of your appointment and we will do what we can to support you.

A Calm and Inviting Space

From the moment you arrive at our clinic, located just minutes from Brockley Station, you’ll be welcomed into a peaceful and beautifully designed space. Our calm, relaxing environment helps set the tone for your treatment, allowing you to fully unwind and feel at ease. Please note, we don’t have a waiting area, so we are unable to invite you in until your appointment time.

A Thorough Consultation

Your appointment begins with a detailed consultation with Alice. This is a chance to explore what brings you to acupuncture, as well as your overall health, lifestyle, and medical history. Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—so understanding the bigger picture is key to creating a treatment plan tailored to you.

Chinese Medicine Diagnostics

Once the consultation is complete, you’ll lie down comfortably for the treatment. Alice will use key diagnostic tools, including tongue and pulse readings, to gain further insight into your body’s balance. These methods help guide the acupuncture treatment and inform the best approach for your individual needs.

The Treatment

Tiny, ultra-fine needles are then gently inserted into specific points on your body. This will likely include your legs, hands, abdomen and head. If possible, wear loose fitting clothing to make access a little easier, but dont worry if this isn’t possible for you. You may experience tingling, a mild ache, or a warm energy at the site of needling —but not pain. Additional techniques such as Moxa or Gua Sha may be incorporated if appropriate for your treatment goals.

While the needles work, you’ll rest for around 25 minutes. Many patients find this time deeply relaxing—some meditate, some drift off to sleep and others simply enjoy a moment of calm.

After the Treatment

The needles are removed, and your treatment is complete. Alice will spend time after your appointment deep diving into your case. When it comes to your next appointment, Alice will have a personalised plan for your treatment journey. This could include diet, lifestyle and any recommended testing, along with a prognosis and life-course planning. All information will also be provided in a written summary, so you can easily reference it at home.

Your first appointment is just the beginning of a journey toward restoring balance, supporting your health and helping you feel your best.

Subsequent Treatments

Acupuncture is most effective when delivered over a series of treatments and many of Alice’s patients benefit from several months of care tailored to their needs. After your first appointment, Alice will provide a personalised treatment plan designed to support your long-term health and wellbeing.

Appointments can be conveniently scheduled via email with Jenny, our administrator. Please note that we operate a 48-hour cancellation policy—appointments cancelled within 48 hours will be charged in full.

Following your plan consistently ensures you receive the best possible care and the most meaningful results.