What to Expect During Your First Acupuncture Session at VitalQi

Whether you're curious about trying acupuncture for the first time or returning after a break, we’re honored to hold space for your healing.

Acupuncture services are offered at our sister location, Vital Qi—just three blocks north of Vitality Float Spa. Our goal is to create a calm, supportive environment where your healing journey feels safe and personalized from the moment you arrive.

What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Appointment

Your initial session begins with a thoughtful conversation—an opportunity to share what’s bringing you in, explore your health history, and articulate your goals. This helps us craft a treatment plan specific to your needs, whether you're here for stress relief, pain management, sleep support, or overall balance.

How Acupuncture Feels During Treatment

If you’ve never had acupuncture before, rest assured that the process is gentle, safe, and highly individualized. Very fine, sterile needles are inserted at specific points to support the flow of Qi (vital energy) through the body. You may feel a brief prick, followed by sensations like tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a dull ache. These are all normal and often fleeting.

Many clients find acupuncture to be deeply relaxing—some even drift into sleep during the session.

Additional Therapies You May Experience

Depending on your concerns and your acupuncturist’s recommendation, your treatment may also include complementary modalities such as:

  • Cupping – gentle suction to release muscle tension and boost circulation

  • Gua Sha – a smooth scraping technique that helps move stagnation and reduce inflammation

  • Moxibustion – warming therapy using the herb mugwort to nourish and stimulate

  • Bodywork and Infrared Therapy – for pain relief, muscle recovery, and overall support

All techniques are fully explained beforehand and only performed with your comfort and consent.

Your Personalized Acupuncture Treatment Plan

In most cases, we recommend starting with five consecutive weekly sessions to observe how your body responds and to build therapeutic momentum. Chinese medicine recognizes that imbalance often occurs in layers, and consistent care allows us to both respond to symptoms and address the root causes.

As your condition evolves, so will your treatment plan—guided by your progress, feedback, and goals.

Aftercare and What to Expect Post-Treatment

After your session, you may feel calm, reflective, energized, or even emotional—all signs that your system is responding. We encourage you to drink water, rest if possible, and allow time for integration. Healing unfolds in layers, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Begin Your Acupuncture Journey in Richmond, VA

Whether you're curious about trying acupuncture for the first time or returning after a break, we’re honored to hold space for your healing.

Ready to experience the benefits of acupuncture for yourself?

Acupuncture services are offered at our sister location, Vital Qi—just three blocks north of Vitality Float Spa.
👉 Book Now or call us at 804 293 0148