Intake Form: Fill this out before you arrive. This form can be found in your booking confirmation email.

If you are not able to fill the form out beforehand, please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete it.

Food & Drink: Eat a light meal or snack before your appointment. Treatment works best when you’re well nourished and hydrated!

Alcohol & Drugs: Avoid alcohol before your appointment. Tell your healthcare provider if you’ve taken any painkillers or other substances before your treatment.

Cards: payment card and health care card (if you haven’t filled out intake form yet).

Medical Info: List of medications and supplements you’re taking (if you haven’t filled out intake form yet).

Food & drink: Water bottle and snack (optional)

Sound devices: Ear plugs or earbuds if you’re sensitive to sounds (gentle music will be playing in the treatment room).

Clothing for Acupuncture: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment. Sleeves and pant legs may be rolled up the elbows or knees. Warm layers are recommended if you get cold easily although blankets will be provided.

Clothing for Gua Sha: Wear or bring clothing that will allow easy access to the upper back, neck and top of the shoulders such as a tank top or sports bra. Bring a scarf to protect back of neck after treatment. If you have long hair, bring something to tie it back.

Mask: Face masks are required during your appointment.

Parking: Free parking is available in the lot on the west side of the building, in the spots labelled “Good Neighbour Staff & Customers Only”.

Check in: Ring the doorbell at the Good Thrift entrance when you arrive. Check in and pay at the front desk. If you parked in the lot, give the receptionist your license plate number to ensure your vehicle is not ticketed.

Washroom: If you need to, use washroom before you go to the treatment room.

Meet your treatment provider: You’ll briefly discuss the reason for your visit, health history & medications (if applicable), and a treatment plan. Feel free to bring questions you have.

In addition to asking you questions, your acupuncturist may ask to feel the pulse on your wrist or look at your tongue. These are two common diagnostic methods that can provide them with more information about your condition.

Get comfortable in your treatment area: Place personal items on the hooks or in the bins provided. Roll up sleeves and pant legs and remove socks (if applicable).

Acupuncture Appointment: The acupuncturist will apply the needles and you will rest with them in for about 40 minutes. If you need assistance during this time, wave to the acupuncturist.

The acupuncturist will return to remove your needles at the end of the treatment time. Stand up slowly and leave at your own pace.

Gua Sha Appointment: The acupuncturist will show you to the private treatment room where you’ll have the opportunity to get ready (remove or change clothing and get settled). They will return to provide the 10 minute treatment, then leave giving you the opportunity to get dressed. You can then leave at your own pace.

Massage Appointment: The massage therapist will show you to the private massage room, where you will have the opportunity to get ready (remove or change clothing and get settled) before beginning the 45 minute treatment. They will then leave and give you the opportunity to get dressed, and you are free to leave at your own pace.

Refreshments: Help yourself to tea or snacks in the waiting room.

Food & drink: Drink plenty of water after acupuncture, gua sha or massage, and eat a snack or meal if you’re hungry after your appointment.

Rest: It’s normal to feel relaxed or a bit tired and lethargic after acupuncture, gua sha or massage treatment. Avoid alcohol or strenuous activity for at least 2-3 hours.

After care for gua sha: Keep the area of treatment well-protected from the elements (including cold, wind and sun!). We recommend bringing a scarf to wear after your appointment. Avoid showers or baths for 12-24 hours following treatment. It is recommended that you wait until existing gua sha marks have faded before getting another treatment. (This takes 3-7 days for most people).

If you need more info, read our FAQs or email us at info@renhealthcollective.com