What to expect.
A first visit is mostly a conversation. Dr. Koss will want to understand your history, your current concerns, and how your body has been feeling — before any needles are placed.
A gentle, attentive process.
Acupuncture is a form of medicine that works gently, but deeply, in your body to help your body heal itself and find balance. Some people experience their treatments strongly; others have mild responses. Your response to each treatment may be different.
According to Chinese medicine, these responses are not necessarily “good” or “bad” — they are signs of a healing response. At times, you will feel a lot of changes happening over hours or days. Other times, you may barely notice a difference, and only realize a week or two later that something old has quietly settled.
Your body directs the healing response in the time period and stages that are natural for you. Acupuncture simply helps to stimulate and nurture this natural process.
Common responses, and what they mean.
You feel relaxed and sleepy
Common, and welcome. If you can, take a nap soon after — the treatment goes deeper when the body rests.
You feel briefly dizzy or slightly nauseous
This can occur when Qi starts to circulate more strongly through a deficient area. Usually mild and quick to resolve — it can help to lie down for a moment and let yourself settle.
An old pain seems to ache more, briefly
Often a sign that a channel has opened and stuck Qi is moving out. The ache may travel downwards — toward hands or feet — and almost always passes. If it lasts longer than a day or feels worse, please call us.
Old emotions surface
In some cases, emotional traumas buried deep are part of the underlying pattern. Memories or strong dreams can come up. The body releases these over time; gently. Letting them move through, rather than pushing them back down, is part of the work.
How many treatments do I need?
The frequency and duration of a treatment plan is variable — but it's important that treatments are no more than a week apart. There is a cumulative effect that allows the healing process to take hold.
Many patients feel better after the first few treatments, then notice the problem returning briefly — this is normal. For long-standing concerns, a series of ten to twelve treatments, or even multiple cycles, may be necessary.
After a full cycle, we typically pause for a four-week “acupuncture vacation” — time for your body to respond more deeply, equilibrate, and balance to the changes. Many symptoms continue to improve during this rest. After four weeks, we'll talk about next steps together.
Small habits that help the work hold.
Around the visit
- Avoid eating for ~30 minutes before and after a treatment.
- Skip intense exercise on the day of a treatment.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
- Avoid sexual activity for ~24 hours after a treatment.
Food & drink
- Drinks at room temperature, or warm. Avoid iced and refrigerated drinks.
- If you eat raw or cold food, have it at the end of a warm meal.
- Limit dairy and sugar — they create phlegm and dampness.
- Variety in your diet helps the Spleen thrive.
Weather & other care
- In strong wind, cold, or heat — stay protected and indoors if you can.
- Tell us about massage, chiropractic, or other treatments you receive.
- Let us know about your regular exercise.
- If menstruating or possibly pregnant, please let us know — it may change the points we choose.
Pacing yourself
- Don't overexert yourself during a treatment cycle.
- New energy is real but shallow at first — conserve it.
- Resist the urge to “catch up” on everything when you start feeling better.
- Consider this period an investment back into your health.
Questions we hear often.
If your question isn't covered here, the easiest path is a short call. We're happy to talk through anything before you book a first visit.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles used are hair-fine, sterile, and single-use. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch or pressure, sometimes a warm or heavy feeling at the point. Many feel deeply relaxed during a treatment.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. Wellspring is a family-practice based clinic, and Dr. Koss treats both children and adults. Pediatric treatments are gentler still — sometimes using very brief needling, or non-needle techniques entirely.
How long does a treatment take?
Plan on roughly an hour for a follow-up visit, and longer for an initial consultation — we'll want a full history and a careful conversation before any treatment. Call for current scheduling specifics.
Do you take insurance?
We do not participate in insurance plans. However, you may be able to file on your own with a superbill that will we will provide you after your visit.
What should I wear to a visit?
Comfortable, loose clothing that lets us access your arms below the elbow and your legs below the knee. Access to the abdomen is helpful as well. Many points are on the limbs; very few visits require disrobing.
How will I know it's working?
It varies. Some patients feel subtle shifts within two to three visits; others see the cumulative effect after seven or eight visits. After roughly four to five treatments, it's usually clear what the best plan is for your situation.
The body chooses its pace. The work is to keep showing up to the appointments and to the small daily habits — the change tends to arrive that way.
What books or resources do you recommend?
For a friendly introduction: Acupuncture, How It Works, How It Cures by Peter Firebrace. For a deeper read: The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted Kaptchuk. For Qi Gong: The Way of Energy by Master Lam Kam Chuen. For Chinese dietary thinking: The Tao of Healthy Eating by Bob Flaws or Recipes for Self-Healing by Daverick Leggett.
Have a question before your first visit?
Call to talk it through, or send a short message and we'll get back to you. We are here to answer your questions.