What happens at a first acupuncture appointment

15 October 2026 · Dr. Jay Purtill

At Cape Town Acupuncture in Hout Bay, your first acupuncture appointment begins with a thorough consultation. Dr Jay Purtill uses traditional Chinese medicine techniques like tongue and pulse diagnosis to understand your health. The treatment then focuses on addressing the root pattern of your symptoms.

Initial Consultation

Your first visit starts with a detailed consultation where Dr Purtill discusses your health concerns and medical history. This helps to identify the underlying patterns affecting your wellbeing.

Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis

Dr Purtill examines your tongue and takes your pulse as part of traditional Chinese diagnostic methods. These assessments provide insight into your internal health and guide the treatment approach.

Treatment Focus

The acupuncture treatment targets the root cause of your symptoms rather than just the surface issues. Stainless steel, sterilised, single-use needles are used, and most patients feel little discomfort during insertion.

Personalised Plan

After the treatment, Dr Purtill outlines a plan tailored to your health needs. This plan may include acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine as appropriate to support your healing journey.

This describes how the practice approaches this. It is not a personal diagnosis. Tell Dr Purtill about any care or medication you are already receiving.