Fredericton Community Acupuncture
"Your Health is Your Wealth, Only You Can Nourish It!"

NEW PATIENT INFORMATION

Many of our patients have never had acupuncture before coming to our clinic, and naturally have questions about the process. Here is a little information about what to expect.

At your first appointment...

You will have a New Patient consultation. During the consultation you will tell us why you're coming in for acupuncture and what you would like us to help you with. Some people come in for a very specific complaint, such as lower back pain or difficulty sleeping. Other people are just curious and want to try acupuncture out. Still others need some help managing stress. During the intake, we don't go into detail about every aspect of your health history or a lengthy explanation about how acupuncture works. Instead we'll stay focused on your chief complaints and how acupuncture can help you.
We'll recommend a treatment plan. On your first visit your acupuncturist will suggest a course of treatment, which is usually once to twice a week for the first 3-4 weeks, and then varying after the initial course of treatment. The recommended treatment plan is based on our experience with treating different kinds of conditions. Almost all of our patients require a course of treatment, rather than a single treatment, in order to get what they want from acupuncture.
You will receive a treatment in our community room and rest with the needles in. After your new patient consultation, you will go into our large, comfortable, quite community room for your acupuncture treatment. You'll be in the room with other patients who are also resting and a getting a treatment. Before you go into the treatment room, please be sure to silence your mobile phone. Once you go into the treatment room you can have a seat anywhere you like, then take off your socks and put all you belongings next to your chair. Roll up your sleeves and pant legs, and get comfortable. Your acupuncturist will feel your pulse and then place needles in your arms, legs and head. The whole process only takes a few minutes. Once all the needles are in, you'll rest for a long as you like. This can range from 30-45 minutes to 2 or more hours.
There is no"right" amount of time, and most patients learns what feels best after a treatment or two.We won't disturb you if your eyes are closed, so when you feel done, just sit up in your chair, open your eyes, or give us a wave. If you ever need to leave by a a specific time, please tell us, so we can pull your needles on time.
How to get the most out of your acupuncture treatment...
Commit to the process. Acupuncture is not a quick cure-all; it's a process. It is very rare for any acupuncturist to be able to resolve a problem with just one treatment. If you don't come in often enough or long enough, acupuncture probably won't work for you. Our sliding scale exists to help you commit to a course of treatment and receive the best possible results.
Embrace the community. One of the beautiful things about community acupuncture is that it brings together all different kinds of people with the goal of healing themselves and those around them. The soothing atmosphere in our clinic exists because all of our patients create it by relaxing together. The soothing atmosphere in our clinic exists because all of our patients create it by relaxing together. This kind of collective stillness is a rare and precious thing in our rushed and busy society. Maintaining this reservoir of calm requires that no one talk very much in our treatment space. If you want to have a substantial conversation, we will probably need to schedule it separately.
Because we are a community of patients and practitioners working together, we ask that everyone have a little flexibility so we can create an environment that welcomes all. For example, many of our patients have a favorite recliner. When we are busy someone may be sitting in yours. Similarly, we have a few patients who snore. Our patients who dislike snoring bring earplugs or headphones to their treatments. Some of our patients even bring favourite pillows or blankets from home with them, because they prefer theirs to ours. Please do whatever you need to make yourself comfortable in our community room.
We are able to offer acupuncture at an affordable price because our practitioners treat multiple patients per hour. We promise you we will deliver the highest quality of care possible, but because we work at a fast pace, we're not always available to have lengthy conversations with you about your entire health history, or how acupuncture works, or what your pulse and tongue indicate, or what every point does. Many of our patients are interested in these topics, and we think that's great, so we'll happily give you plenty to read.
Many of our patients like to come in at the same time every week - we love being part of their routine! We understand that everyone has busy schedules, so we will always do our best to schedule your appointment at a time that works for you. However, we do have some limitations, and our acupuncturists are only human, so we might not be able to fit you in at the last minute, or a busy times. For our patients with very busy schedules, we recommend scheduling appointments in advance so you can get in when you need to. We are happy to help you with this.
Take responsibility for your health. Acupuncture is a wonderful compliment to Western medicine, but it is not a substitute for it, and like any form of medicine, it has its limitations. We can provide complimentary care for conditions which require a physician's attention, but if you have a serious health issue, such as a prolonged infection, a malignant growth, or an injury that won't heal, you should see a Medical Doctor. We are happy to refer you to someone knowledgeable. 
How to prepare for you first appointment...
Please note that there is a one-time additional fee on the first visit.
Before your first visit, you will need to fill out your New Patient intake forms, They should take 10-15 minutes to fill out. If you are unable to complete your forms ahead of time, please plan to arrive 15 minutes early for you first appointment so you can complete the forms at the clinic.
We realize your time is valuable. Therefore, we ask that you make every effort to arrive on time for you appointment. If you are more than 20 minutes late for your first appointment, we may need to reschedule it.
Please do not wear any perfume, cologne or scented lotions. Many of our patients are sensitive to smells.
Plan to be at the clinic for about 90 minutes. Follow-up treatments generally take about 60 minutes.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up to the elbows, and pants that can be rolled up to the knees.
The treatment room as soft, soothing music playing, but you may bring earplugs or headphones if you prefer to listen to your own music.
Please eat a little something beforehand. Acupuncture is not recommended on an empty stomach.
Don't plan to engage in any strenuous activity right after receiving acupuncture. It is best to let your body relax afterwards.
Please be aware that we require 24 hours notice for cancellations. If less that 24 hours notice is given or an appointment is missed without notice, the full cost of treatment will be assessed.
For more information and to book an appointment, please call or e-mail...
Phone: (506) 575-5443
E-mail: fcacupuncture@startmail.com