Before acupuncture, it is natural to wonder where the needles will go or how long the visit will take. A more useful starting point may be on your phone: a medication and health update, plus three questions you want answered. Returning patients should update that record too. A history discussed months ago may no longer be complete.
Make one list of medicines and products
Include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, with names, amounts and frequency. Packaging photographs or a current medication list are more useful than a description such as “a blood pressure pill” or “some supplements.”
Mention medicines that affect clotting and any bleeding condition. Do not stop, reduce or skip a prescribed medicine to prepare for acupuncture. The appointment plan can be discussed after assessment. Medicine changes belong with your prescriber or pharmacist.
Health changes to mention in advance
- Pregnancy, possible pregnancy or trying to conceive.
- An implanted device such as a pacemaker, particularly if electrical stimulation is being considered.
- Recent surgery, infection, wounds or a significant health change.
- Bleeding problems, immune-system conditions, epilepsy or diabetes.
- Previous fainting, reactions or discomfort with a treatment position.
Patient information from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust identifies several of these as reasons to tell the therapist and assess carefully. This is not a self-screening list that determines eligibility. It is information for the person assessing you.
Describe the problem without diagnosing yourself
Note when it started, what changes it, whether it affects sleep and what investigations or care you have already had. A TCM consultation may also explore sleep, digestion, stress and daily routines within a traditional assessment framework. That does not replace medical investigations when they are needed.
Three questions for the appointment
- “Given my history and medicines, is this appropriate today? What other options should I consider?”
- “What sensations should I report immediately, and how can I ask to pause?”
- “What should I observe afterwards, and when would follow-up or medical assessment be needed?”
Choose comfortable clothing and follow the clinic’s individual preparation instructions about food and other arrangements. Do not adopt fasting or medicine restrictions from a general internet checklist. Contact the clinic if you feel unwell or something changes before the visit.
Some symptoms should not wait
A sudden severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting or one-sided weakness should not wait for an acupuncture appointment. New symptoms that keep worsening also need medical assessment.
When contacting SkyTCM in Richmond, mention language preferences, health updates and concerns. Preparation supports a clearer conversation; it does not guarantee acupuncture is suitable for everyone or will resolve every symptom.
The reused image is illustrative and does not document a patient or treatment outcome.