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Can I ask to stop? What if I feel faint? Questions about comfort and safety belong in the appointment itself, not afterwards.

The questions people hesitate to ask

Many people sit in the treatment room with unspoken questions. Can I ask you to stop? What happens if I feel faint? Does my period, or being pregnant, change anything? Is it normal to feel emotional afterwards?

You do not need to wait until treatment is over to raise something that affects your comfort or your decision. Asking is part of good care, not an interruption.

Coming prepared

Bring a short written list to your appointment with Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist. It is also helpful to mention anything that has changed since your last visit, such as:

• new medicines or supplements;
• a recent illness, injury or procedure;
• pregnancy, or changes to your cycle;
• shifts in sleep, mood or stress.

Ask how often treatment is likely to be suggested and why, rather than assuming one timetable suits everyone. Sessions feel easier to approach when the plan, expected sensations and follow-up advice have been discussed plainly.

Linking symptoms to meaningful goals

At the Lane Cove clinic, it can be useful to separate the symptom that brought you in from the change you would value most. That might mean moving with less discomfort during a favourite activity, understanding what aggravates the problem, or recognising when to seek another opinion. Ask Christine when progress will be reviewed and what would prompt a change in direction.

Feeling safe enough to speak

Anxiety can make it hard to voice concerns, especially with needles involved. If you tend to go quiet when nervous, let Christine know at the start. Agreeing on a simple signal can make it much easier to communicate during the session itself.

Your voice in the room

Every question you ask helps tailor the session more closely to you. Keep a note on your phone between visits, adding questions as they occur to you, and bring it along so nothing important is left unsaid.