What to Expect at Your First Visit
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
How to Book
Option 1: Book Online
Visit our booking page, select "First Visit - New Patient," choose your preferred date and time, and complete payment (£50). You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Option 2: WhatsApp
Message us at +44 7719 790 174 with your preferred dates/times. We'll confirm availability and send you a booking link.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
What to Bring:
- List of current medications or supplements
- Any recent medical test results (optional but helpful)
- Loose, comfortable clothing (we may need access to arms, legs, back)
- Questions you want answered
What NOT to Do Before Your Visit:
- Avoid heavy meals 1-2 hours before (light snack is fine)
- Skip the alcohol the night before
- Don't brush your tongue the morning of your appointment (we examine tongue coating for diagnosis)
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Finding Us
96 High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5HL
Free street parking available nearby. Entrance is ground level (accessible).
Check-In:
Arrive 5-10 minutes early for your first visit. You'll complete a brief health history form covering:
- Current symptoms and health concerns
- Medical history and medications
- Lifestyle factors (sleep, diet, stress, exercise)
- What you hope to achieve with treatment
Meeting Michael:
Michael will greet you personally and invite you into the private treatment room. You'll have his full attention for the next 60 minutes.
THE CONSULTATION (15-20 minutes)
Discussion: Michael will review your health history form and ask detailed questions about:
- Your main concern (pain, stress, hormones, digestion, etc.)
- When it started, what makes it better/worse
- Your energy levels, sleep quality, digestion, mood
- Any other symptoms, even if they seem unrelated
Why So Many Questions?
In TCM, everything is connected. Your insomnia might be related to your digestive issues. Your knee pain might stem from a kidney imbalance. We need the full picture.
TCM Diagnosis:
Michael will examine:
Your Tongue:
Color, coating, shape, and moisture reveal information about your internal organs and overall health. (This is why we ask you not to brush your tongue before appointments.)
Your Pulse:
Michael will feel your pulse at both wrists. In TCM, we assess 12 different pulse qualities that correspond to different organs and imbalances.
What You'll Learn:
After assessment, Michael will explain:
- What's happening in your body from a TCM perspective
- Your constitutional type and imbalances
- Recommended treatment approach
- Realistic timeline for improvement
- Whether TCM is right for your specific condition
Honest Assessment:
If Michael doesn't think TCM will help, he'll tell you. We don't waste your time or money on treatments that won't work.
THE TREATMENT (30-40 minutes)
Preparation: You'll lie comfortably on a heated treatment table. Depending on your condition, you may lie face-up, face-down, or side-lying.
We may ask you to remove shoes/socks and roll up sleeves/trousers to access acupuncture points. You stay fully clothed (no need to undress unless treating large back areas).
Needle Insertion:
Michael will insert 8-15 hair-thin, sterile needles at specific points on your body. Most people feel:
- A tiny pinch or mosquito-bite sensation
- Mild tingling or warmth at the point
- Often nothing at all
Common Points Used:
Arms, legs, hands, feet, abdomen, back — depending on your condition. Facial acupuncture uses very fine needles on the face.
During Treatment:
Needles stay in place for 20-30 minutes while you relax. We'll dim the lights, play calming music, and leave you to rest.
What You Might Feel:
- Deep relaxation (many people fall asleep)
- Tingling, warmth, or heaviness in the limbs
- Emotional release (some patients cry—it's normal and therapeutic)
- Sensation of energy moving through your body
If You Feel Uncomfortable:
Tell us immediately. Michael can adjust needle depth, remove needles, or pause treatment. Your comfort is priority.
Needle Removal:
After 20-30 minutes, Michael returns and gently removes all needles. You may not even feel them come out.
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
Immediate Effects: Most patients feel:
- Deeply relaxed and calm
- Some experience immediate pain relief
- Mild lightheadedness (drink water)
- Sleepy or energized (both are normal)
Post-Treatment Advice:
- Drink plenty of water for 24 hours
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise same day
- Rest if you feel tired—your body is healing
Possible Side Effects (Rare):
- Mild bruising at needle sites (normal, fades in 2-3 days)
- Temporary increase in symptoms (healing response, passes quickly)
- Emotional release or vivid dreams
- Fatigue (rest and it will pass)
Serious Side Effects:
Extremely rare with qualified practitioners. If you experience severe pain, bleeding, or unusual symptoms, contact us immediately.
YOUR TREATMENT PLAN
Recommendation: Before you leave, Michael will recommend:
- How many sessions you'll likely need
- Frequency of treatments (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
- Any additional therapies (cupping, herbs)
- Lifestyle or dietary adjustments
- Whether membership makes sense for you
Typical Treatment Plans:
- Acute Pain (recent injury): 2-4 sessions, weekly
- Chronic Pain (long-term): 6-8 sessions, then monthly maintenance
- Stress/Anxiety: 6-10 sessions, bi-weekly, then monthly
- Hormonal Issues: 8-12 sessions, weekly/bi-weekly
- Skin Conditions: 10-15 sessions, weekly
- Facial Rejuvenation: 6 sessions over 6-8 weeks, then monthly
No Pressure: We'll never force you to pre-book sessions. Book as you go, or join a membership for convenience and savings.