Your Visit

We know that starting acupuncture may feel like a big step, especially if it’s your first time. Our goal is to make your visit easy, comfortable, and healing from the moment you walk through the door.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Your initial session lasts about 75–90 minutes. We’ll begin with a warm conversation about your health history, lifestyle, and what brings you in. This is your time to share your goals—whether it’s easing pain, supporting fertility, managing stress, or simply feeling more balanced. After we talk, you’ll receive your first treatment.

Follow-up visits are a bit shorter (usually 50–70 minutes) and focus on tracking your progress, refining your treatment plan, and continuing your care. We offer several follow up treatment lengths and options to meet your needs and schedule. Feel free to ask your practitioner what she recommends for you.

How to Prepare for Your Acupuncture Appointment

• Please fill out your online intake form for your initial visit at least one day prior to your appointment.

• Make sure you are well hydrated.

• Eat a light meal beforehand (not too full, not too empty).

That’s it—you don’t need to do anything special to get ready.

During Your Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture is a gentle, relaxing process. The needles are very fine, and most people feel only a light pinch—or nothing at all. Once the points are in place, many patients feel a deep sense of calm, warmth, or gentle tingling. Some even drift into a restful nap.

In addition to acupuncture, your practitioner may suggest supportive therapies like cupping, gua sha, neurostructural integration or moxibustion, depending on what will best serve your needs.

After Your Acupuncture Visit

It’s common to leave feeling refreshed, centered, or pleasantly tired. Every body responds differently—some people feel immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over a series of sessions. Healing with acupuncture is cumulative, and your practitioner will create a treatment plan that’s right for you.

We recommend drinking water, eating nourishing food, avoiding strenuous exercise, listening to your body, and giving yourself a little space for rest after your treatment when possible.

Questions?

We’re here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. If you have questions before your visit—or anytime during your care—please reach out. We’re always happy to help.

Practical Details:

Location & Parking: Our clinic is located at 1819 Meeting Street Rd, Charleston, SC 29405. Free parking is available in parking lots on either side of the building.

Please have a seat in the fabric chairs in the main entrance (beside glass doors) when you arrive and your practitioner will be with you shortly.

If your appointment is on the weekend or during evening hours, your practitioner will unlock the door for you. If you arrive before she has unlocked it, don’t worry, she’ll be with you shortly. Feel free to text 843-937-6890 to let her know you have arrived.

Insurance & Payment: We accept credit cards (preferred), cash, checks and HSA/FSA. While we do not accept insurance, we are happy to provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if acupuncture is covered. Just let us know.

Cancellations: Life happens—if you need to reschedule, we kindly ask for at least 48 hours notice so we can offer the time to another patient. There is a 50% fee for cancellations in less time. Though as much notice as you can give us is appreciated!

Have labs to share with us? Feel free to email them before or after your visit to info@blueheroncharleston.com or bring a copy to your appointment.

What to Bring: Yourself and water so you can hydrate after your treatment.

Read our FAQS below for more handy answers!