FIRST VISIT | WHAT TO EXPECT
Your first visit, step by step
No surprises, no rush. Here’s exactly what happens from the moment you book to the moment you leave, so you can arrive feeling calm.
BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER
What Happens
Your initial appointment is either 60 or 75 minutes depending on which Acupuncture treatment you are booking. Complex, multi-layered, fertility or pregnancy appointments are 75 minutes. General single issues (Eg. sore neck) is 60 minutes. All follow up appointments are 55 minutes.
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Booking online through Cliniko or call. You’ll get a confirmation email and a detailed intake and consent form to complete at home.
Please ensure the Intake and Consent Form is completed 24 hours prior to your appointment.
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Please allow extra time to find parking. There are a small amount of time restricted parking on the side streets. There is also parking at vacated Karkoo Nursery or Library across the street. If reception is unattended on Saturdays or after hours, a welcome note will be waiting for you.
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We start with a conversation: your history, menstrual cycle, stress, goals and what you’ve already tried.
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Usually acupuncture, possibly with NET, cupping or gua sha if they suit you. You can say no to anything.
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Within 48 hours you’ll receive a written treatment plan by email: frequency, timeframe and review points.
GETTING READY
What to Bring and Wear
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can roll up above your knee and elbows. Eat a light meal beforehand.
Bring with you
Your health fund card, for on-the-spot claiming
A list of medications and supplements
Recent test results (if not emailed prior)
IVF or treatment calendar, if relevant
Your baby, if you’re post partum
COMMON QUESTIONS
First Visit Questions
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No referral is needed. If your GP or specialist has writte one, please bring it so I can keep them informed with your consent.
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Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body. Most people experience little to no pain during the treatment. You might feel a slight pinch or pressure when the needle is first inserted, but it is generally minimal and brief. Some individuals describe a mild tingling, warmth, or dull ache around the needle site, which is a normal response. At Wild Heart Acupuncture we take care to ensure the experience is as comfortable as possible. Overall, acupuncture is considered a gentle and minimally invasive therapy.
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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.
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.
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I understand that schedules can change and life can be unpredictable.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of your appointment will incur a 50% fee. Cancellations within 24 hours, or missed appointments, will be charged at the full appointment fee.
If you need to reschedule within the same week, the cancellation fee will be waived.
I appreciate your understanding and respect for this policy, which allows me to continue providing consistent and sustainable care.
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You may feel relaxed (like after a massage or deep rest) or energised or mentally clear. Occasionally, you might get slightly emotional, light-headed, or very tired — this is normal and temporary.
Occasionally there may be a small bruise, mild soreness, or a feeling of heaviness at needle site.
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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.?
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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.
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The frequency of acupuncture treatments varies depending on your individual condition, treatment goals, and overall health. For acute issues, such as a recent injury, sessions might be recommended 2 times per week initially. For chronic conditions or long-term wellness, weekly or bi-weekly treatments are common. As symptoms improve, treatment frequency often reduces to maintenance sessions every few weeks or months. Your practitioner will tailor a treatment plan based on your specific needs and progress.
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Yes. At Wild Heart Acupuncture, HICAPS is available to claim your Private Health Rebates for acupuncture treatments. Just check with your health fund to ensure you are covered for acupuncture in your extras.
Come as you are.
Health Fund Rebates available.

