Preparing for your first medical acupuncture appointment

Before you come

• Have a light meal about an hour before, so you don’t feel light-headed.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day.

What to wear

• Loose clothing that lets me reach the area being treated. For a knee problem, for example, shorts or trousers that roll up easily.
• Layers, as some people feel warmer or colder during treatment.
• Shoes that are easy to take off.
• Keep jewellery and watches to a minimum.

What to bring

• A list of any medicines you take.
• Recent test results, scan reports or letters from specialists about your problem, if you have them.

What happens at your first appointment

It lasts an hour.

• A full history, and an examination if needed. About 15 minutes.
• A full acupuncture treatment. About 30 to 40 minutes.
• Before you leave, we agree a plan for what comes next.

After your appointment

You can go back to your normal day straight away. My aftercare page explains what’s normal and when to get advice.

Finding the clinic

Private Medical Rooms, 679 Clarkston Road, Glasgow G44 3SE. Look for the Private Medical Rooms sign. Parking is on the road outside. There’s a map on the contact page.

Any other questions? Have a look at the FAQ, or email me.

Written by Dr Eoghan Colgan, GMC number 6030214. Last reviewed October 2026.