NEW CLIENTS
What to Expect at Your Initial Acupuncture Appointment
If you've never had acupuncture before, or you've had it elsewhere and want to know how MRA works, this page covers everything from what happens in the room to how many sessions you're likely to need.
What happens during your
Initial Appointment
YOUR APPOINTMENT STEP BY STEP
-
Prior to your first appointment we will email you an initial intake form. We kindly ask that you complete your form prior to your appointment.
-
Your practitioner will review your intake form, ask follow-up questions about your history and goals, and complete the Chinese Medicine assessment which includes pulse taking at both wrists, sometime abdominal palpation and tongue diagnosis. This is the information-gathering that shapes your treatment and treatment plan.
-
You'll lie comfortably on the treatment table while fine, sterile needles are placed at specific acupuncture points based on your treatment goals. Needle placement takes around 5 to 10 minutes, followed by 20 to 25 minutes of rest with the needles in place.
We make sure you are warm and comfortable throughout your treatment, with heat lamps and heat packs available if needed, as well as a choice of music or meditation. Once the needles are in place, most clients feel deeply relaxed and some drift off to sleep. Our clinic has been purposefully designed to be warm, comfortable and low stimulation, creating the perfect environment to relax.
-
After the needles are removed, your practitioner will discuss what they observed and recommend a follow up schedule.
Following your session, you'll receive an email with an in depth treatment plan, along with any resources or information discussed during your appointment.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
A few things to know before your first visit
NEEDLES ARE MUCH FINER THAN YOU THINK
Acupuncture needles are solid, single-use, and extremely fine and much thinner then your standard injection needle. Most patients barely feel insertion; the sensation is more a mild dull ache or warmth at the needle site. If you are afraid of needles, please let your practitioner know.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
You don’t need to do too much to prepare for an acupuncture appointment but we do recommend eating at a light meal or snack beforehand, wear loose, comfortable clothing if possible, if not we offer privacy towels to go under. We will send you an intake form to be completed in advance.
THE LENGTH OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
The initial consultation is 60 minutes, including 20-30 minutes of detailed intake, including your history, symptoms, goals, and the Chinese Medicine assessment by taking your pulse and observing your tongue. Return appointments generally have less talking.
ALL OUR PRACTITIONERS ARE QUALIFIED AND REGISTERED
All MRA practitioners are AHPRA-registered acupuncturists with postgraduate training in reproductive and hormonal. We use sterile, single-use needles only and follow strict infection control protocols.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What the acupuncture needles
and treatment feels like?
Acupuncture needles are very fine, so insertion usually causes only a brief, mild sensation, often described as a tiny pinch or gentle pressure. It is not like an injection, and most people are surprised by how little they feel.
Once the needles are in place, you may notice a mild dull ache, warmth, heaviness or tingling around the needle site. These sensations are normal and usually settle quickly. If a needle feels uncomfortable at any point, simply let your practitioner know and they can adjust it.
During the treatment, most patients feel deeply relaxed. Some notice warmth, tingling or a light, floaty feeling, while others do not feel anything in particular. Both are completely normal.
After your appointment, you may feel relaxed and slightly tired, particularly after your first session, while some people feel energised. We recommend drinking water and taking it easy for the rest of the day if you can.
For pregnancy, we use comfortable positioning such as side lying or semi reclined and adjust needle placement according to your stage of treatment. Your safety and comfort are always our priority.
APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Appointment timing during
your IVF cycle?
For IVF, FET, IUI and other ART cycles, appointment timing is the most important variable.
Our IVF Support page covers how to schedule across stimulation, egg collection and transfer phases, including what to do if your transfer date arrives quickly.
We recommend viewing our Acupuncture for IVF Support Page and our journal post on Acupuncture & IVF Timing Guide.
INSIGHTS & RESOURCES
MRA Journal
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
New clients questions
answered
-
No. You can book directly online or by calling us.
-
Your private health fund card (for on-the-spot rebate claiming). We recommend completing your intake form in advance.
-
Yes, acupuncture has a strong safety record in pregnancy when performed by a qualified practitioner. Our acupuncturists are AHPRA-registered and trained to treat pregnant people with acupuncture safely. We follow strict safety protocols, avoid contraindicated points, and always work within the scope of your obstetric care. For more, see our safety explainer page. -
Yes acupuncture can be particularly useful during menstruation, especially for period pain. For fertility patients, knowing where you are in your cycle helps us plan your sessions. We'll ask about your cycle at your first appointment and factor it into your treatment timing going forward.
-
Very much so, needle anxiety is extremely common, especially among patients who've been through multiple blood tests and injections during fertility treatment. Our practitioners are experienced with nervous patients. Tell us when you book or at the start of your appointment, and we'll take extra time to explain each step, start with fewer needles, and check in throughout the session. Most people find they're much more comfortable than they expected. -
Yes, you're welcome to bring a partner or support person to your appointment. Many of our fertility and IVF patients come with their partner who wait in the reception. In many cases, we'd recommend your partner also have an assessment, particularly for male factor fertility support. See our Men's Health page for more. -
One of the most common questions we get from new patients. The honest answer is that it depends entirely on why you're coming and your treatment goals. Your practitioner will discuss your individual treatment plan with you during your initial appointment.
If you're still unsure, we recommend booking a free 10 minute discovery call.