• Email or bring any relevant test results, scans, treatment plans to your consultation.

• It is recommended that you eat something light at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

• If you brush/scrape your tongue, please avoid doing this on the day of your consultation, as the tongue forms an important part of the Chinese Medicine diagnosis.

• For cosmetic acupuncture, please come make up free and wash/cleanse your face before the appointment.

• Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the commencement of your appointment to ensure that your consultation will run for the full allocated time. Additional time will not be offered if you arrive late to your appointment and 100% of the consultation fee will still be applied.

• All new clients are required to complete the Initial Intake and Consent Form for any treatment appointment at least 12 hours prior to their scheduled appointment. If you have not completed the form prior to your appointment, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete the form, to ensure we can maximise the time for your treatment. ​​​

It is recommended you wear loose fitting clothing so we can access the usually required areas (arms and legs) without removing clothing.  If you need to disrobe then we have plenty of towels to cover you up and we will expose only the areas we need to needle keeping you warm and secure. Patient modesty is always a high priority at the Wild Heart Acupuncture.

​At the initial consultation, I will go through your intake form and ask you what your primary concern is. I will ask lots of questions and details about diet, lifestyle habits, sleeping patterns, appetite, digestion and bowel movements, menstrual cycle, stress reactions and food or other sensitivities (there is no such thing as TMI!). 

To further identify, I will observe and note other health indicators such as the colour of the face, have a look at your tongue, the sound of the voice and the characteristics of the radial pulse of both wrists. It all helps to form a Chinese medical diagnosis. 

The treatment commences once assessment and diagnosis are completed. I will discuss with you the treatment options and come up with a plan.

The duration of the treatment and the type of techniques used will vary according to both the patient’s condition and the treatment principles.  Acupuncture is the most common technique used and other techniques may include moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, tui na and or the prescription of Chinese herbal formulas.  
​
With your informed consent, I will apply acupuncture needles in areas specifically designed for your individual condition. I may ask how you are feeling after the needle is inserted. If you have a specific pain, for example, you may find the pain easing or disappearing altogether.  Most people don’t feel pain — the sensation is often described as a dull ache, tingling, heaviness, or warmth.  The number of needles depends on the condition. 

Once the needles are in, I usually leave the room. This allows you time to relax and the treatment to have a greater effect.  The needles are often left in for approximately 25 – 45 minutes.  Many people feel deeply relaxed, fall asleep, or experience a meditative state.

A heat lamp, eye pillow or soft music may be used to enhance comfort. 

To maximise the benefits of TCM therapies, follow these post-treatment recommendations:

• Stay hydrated to help flush out toxins.

• Avoid intense physical activity for a few hours.

• Eat a nourishing meal to support your body’s healing.

• Take note of how you feel.

• Mild soreness at needle sites is rare but normal. If needed, a warm compress or light stretching can provide relief.

TCM works on momentum.  In order to receive the maximum expected benefit from your treatments, it is essential that you:

• Stick to the prescribed treatment schedule

• Implement recommended lifestyle and dietary changes

• Avoid exacerbating activities

• Get quality sleep

• Drink plenty of pure water 6 to 8 glasses. Drinking coffee, tea, juice and soft drinks does not count.