What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Appointment at Acupunctury in Santa Monica

Discover what happens at your first acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture, or microneedling session at Acupunctury in Santa Monica. Learn about the intake process, treatment flow, and personalized care you can expect.

Walking into your first acupuncture appointment can feel exciting, but it’s completely normal to have questions or even a little nervousness. At Acupunctury in Santa Monica, my goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, cared for, and at ease every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring acupuncture for wellness, cosmetic acupuncture for skin rejuvenation, or holistic microneedling, I want you to know exactly what to expect.

Your Complimentary 15-Minute Consultation

Every new journey at Acupunctury begins with a complimentary 15-minute consultation. This is your time to ask me anything - from how acupuncture works, to what a session feels like, to how treatments can support your specific goals. My priority is making sure all of your questions are answered so you feel comfortable and confident moving forward.

Before You Arrive

Prior to your appointment, you’ll receive a detailed intake form. This form helps me understand your health history, lifestyle, and skin goals. When we meet, we’ll go over your form together, and you’ll have the opportunity to share your story in more detail. I want to know everything - your wellness journey, your concerns, and your goals - because that information allows me to form a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan just for you.

Your First Acupuncture Appointment

At Acupunctury, your first visit always begins with a detailed conversation about your intake form. This isn’t just paperwork - it’s our starting point for understanding your health history, daily habits, stress levels, digestion, pain, sleep, and more. We’ll sit together and go over it in detail, like a conversation, so I can hear your story in your own words.

From there, I’ll use two key diagnostic tools that are unique to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

• The Pulse: By gently feeling your pulse at three positions on each wrist, I can assess the quality of your blood and energy flow (Qi). Each position corresponds to different organ systems. I’m not only noting how fast or slow it is, but also its depth, rhythm, and strength. This tells me if your body is running on empty, overstimulated, or holding tension in certain areas.

• The Tongue: Your tongue is like a mirror of your internal health. Its color, shape, coating, and moisture levels can reflect everything from digestion to circulation, hydration, and stress patterns. For instance, a pale tongue might suggest low energy, while a thick coating could point to sluggish digestion.

When we combine your intake form, our conversation, and the insights from pulse and tongue diagnosis, I get a clear and holistic picture of what your body needs. This allows me to create a treatment plan that’s specific to you - not just your symptoms - so you feel supported and understood every step of the way.

During the treatment: You’ll relax comfortably on the table while I gently insert fine, hair-thin needles. If you’re curious, I’ll happily explain what I’m doing. If you prefer quiet time, that’s wonderful too - this is your space to unwind. We will incorporate fire cupping, gua sha or Celluma LED light therapy, as needed.

After the session: You'll be guided through your personalized treatment plan. I’ll explain what to expect, how many sessions may be recommended, and how we’ll track your progress. We’ll schedule your next appointment so you can stay consistent with your plan. You’ll also receive a detailed follow-up message including nutrition and lifestyle guidance, plus a summary of our discussion. I’ll never push you to make drastic changes - my motto is simple: do what fits into your daily life. If you’ve been curious about trying something new, this is a great opportunity to experiment with small, supportive shifts.

Your First Holistic Microneedling Appointment

Microneedling is a powerful, minimally invasive treatment to stimulate collagen and improve skin texture. Because there are contraindications, we’ll start with a quick screening phone call to review your goals and health history. If microneedling is a good fit, you’ll receive a detailed prep and after-care guide so you feel fully prepared.

Before your session: At the office, we’ll take “before” photos to track progress. We’ll review your intake form, talk through your skin care routine, nutrition, and lifestyle, and answer any lingering questions.

During the treatment: Your treatment area will be gently cleansed and prepared with a light alcohol wipe - a quick, refreshing step to ensure everything is perfectly sterile. A numbing cream will then be applied while you relax with balancing body acupuncture points and a soothing upper back and shoulder massage. Once the numbing has set, we’ll cleanse again to ensure everything is completely sterile before beginning microneedling.

As the treatment starts, most clients describe the sensation as a light buzzing or slight vibration across the skin - many even say it feels surprisingly pleasant. The combination of comfort, relaxation, and precision makes the experience both effective and easy to enjoy.

After the treatment: You’ll leave with a calming aloe and arnica serum, along with customized after-care instructions to support your skin’s healing. I’ll remain available for any questions that arise following your session. We’ll also schedule your next microneedling appointment in 4 weeks.

This timing is intentional - your skin needs about a month to fully heal and regenerate collagen before the next session. Spacing treatments this way ensures that each one builds on the last, giving you the most effective and long-lasting results.

Why Do We Space Microneedling Sessions 4 Weeks Apart?

Microneedling works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin that stimulate your body’s natural healing response. This process sparks collagen and elastin production, which takes time to unfold beneath the surface.

• Collagen Timeline: It takes about 28 days for skin cells to renew themselves and for collagen fibers to begin remodeling.

• Optimal Healing Window: Booking too soon can interrupt the healing cycle, while waiting too long may slow progress toward your goals.

• Best Results: A 4-week interval allows each session to build on the last, maximizing improvements in texture, tone, scars, and fine lines.

By following this rhythm, you’ll see steady, compounding results that look natural and last.

Your First Facial Rejuvenation (Cosmetic Acupuncture) Appointment

Cosmetic Acupuncture follows a similar flow - with an emphasis on natural facial rejuvenation and whole-body balance.

Before your session: We’ll take “before” photos and have an in-depth conversation about your intake form, goals, health history, and lifestyle.

During the treatment: You’ll receive carefully selected body acupuncture points that work to correct the root of internal imbalances - helping regulate your hormones, calm the nervous system, and improve circulation throughout the whole body. This foundation of balance supports deeper and longer-lasting results, beyond the surface of the skin.

In addition, auricular muscle points are placed to naturally lift and tone, while facial acupuncture directly stimulates circulation, boosts collagen production, and encourages healthy cell renewal.

Many clients describe the needles as very gentle—often barely noticeable. Some points may create a mild sensation, which is completely normal and typically fades quickly. The needles are incredibly fine, designed for comfort and effectiveness. Once the points are placed, you’ll rest under the soothing Celluma LED Light Therapy, which further enhances skin health and overall healing.

The finishing touch: After the needles are removed, we’ll close your session with gentle facial cupping and gua sha. These therapies are more than just relaxing - facial cupping helps increase blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and support lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and enhancing your skin’s natural vitality. Gua sha uses smooth, flowing strokes to release stagnant energy, encourage circulation, and sculpt the facial muscles, leaving your complexion brighter and more radiant.

Together, these finishing techniques not only leave your skin glowing but also help your whole body shift into a deeper state of relaxation.

Finally, we’ll go over your personalized treatment plan and schedule your next session, so you stay on track toward your goals. Just like with all of our services, you’ll receive a detailed follow-up message with key takeaways and supportive guidance for in-between visits.

A Safe, Supportive Space for Healing

At Acupunctury, my mission is to blend the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern, evidence-based practices in a way that feels approachable and restorative. Your first visit is not just about treatment - it’s about creating a partnership for your health, your skin, and your overall well-being.

If you’re ready to take the first step, I’d love to welcome you in. Book your complimentary consultation today, and let’s create a plan that feels right for you.

📞 Call/Text: (424) 252-1210

📧 Email: hello@acupuncturyla.com 

🌐 Website: www.acupuncturyla.com

🌐 Direct Booking: Acupunctury via JaneApp

📱 Instagram: @acupunctury

📍 Address: 1150 Yale St, Suite 10, Santa Monica, CA 90403