ब्लॉग

You do not need to wait until the needles are out to ask something important. Here are practical questions worth raising before and during a session.

Questions belong at the start

Can I ask you to stop partway through? What happens if I feel faint? Does my period or a possible pregnancy change anything? Questions like these affect your comfort and your decision, so there is no reason to hold them back until the session is over.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, welcomes questions at every stage of an appointment at the Lane Cove clinic. Christine has also undertaken further study in pregnancy and IVF support, so questions about fertility plans or pregnancy can be discussed openly.

A short list to bring

• Can I stop the session at any time?
• What should I do if I feel dizzy, hot or nauseous?
• Does menstruation, pregnancy or trying to conceive change the plan?
• Which medicines or health changes do you need to know about?
• How will we decide how often to have sessions?

Updates since last time

At each visit, mention anything that has changed since the previous appointment, such as new medicines, a recent illness or a change in your symptoms. Treatment frequency should be worked out together, not assumed to follow a fixed schedule that suits everyone. If you are under the care of a midwife, obstetrician or fertility specialist, let them know about acupuncture too.

Clarity about goals

Try to name both the problem itself and what a good outcome would look like for you. Turning your neck more freely, getting a clearer picture of what is going on or learning that a specialist opinion is warranted are all reasonable aims. Ask how the plan will be reviewed and what would prompt a change.

Speaking up is part of good care

Some people worry that questions will seem rude or slow things down. In practice, they make sessions smoother. Write your list on your phone before you leave home, and go through it at the start of your Lane Cove appointment so expected sensations and follow-up advice are clear from the outset.