Does acupuncture hurt?

You may feel a small prick on the insertion of the needle if you feel it at all. If it feels sharp or stingy just let your practitioner know, the needle just needs adjustment. Other sensations you may feel which people can associate with pain (only because it’s a new stimulus) are the following: achy, throbbing, itching, twitching, heavy feeling, or traveling feelings. Those sensations are totally normal and are actually good sensations to have. It is an indication you are feeling the movement of Qi.
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How long is a treatment/what to expect?

The first treatment is about an hour and a half with paperwork and initial intake. You usually sit with needles for no more than 30 minutes. Occasionally you may sit with needles longer but it’s rare. Follow-up appointments are about an hour. We do a bit of catch up, you have some acupuncture and you may also have cupping, gua sha, or Kinesio taping during your hour appointment.

How do I know if acupuncture is working?

Acupuncture has a cumulative effect. The closer together treatments are and frequency is where you will see the best results and quickest. I usually say 6 treatments before you formulate any conclusions. If something has been going on for over a month you are looking at things that are becoming chronic. Chronic conditions will take more time and treatment. Age and underlying chronic health issues will affect how quickly you will see results. If it is an acute condition it may take significantly less time to see results. It isn’t uncommon to see results within one treatment but that doesn’t always mean that it’s “fixed”. The relaxation and overall feeling of wellness effect of acupuncture are usually felt within the first treatment.

How does acupuncture work?

The biggest question of all and unfortunately, we still don’t have the best answers to satisfy inquiring minds.  There are many theories.  From a biomedical perspective, it is thought that the “meridians” are like fiber optics and the point of the needle insertion sends information along these channels stimulating different regions of the body and helps the “ network” communicate.   years ago these “meridians” or “channels” were thought to be invisible.  Then they were finally captured under a high-power electron microscope and they do have legitimate structure.  As far as the Traditional Chinese theory the “meridians” move qi and blood.  The channels that pass through organ systems and extremities can be utilized with knowledge. With a proper understanding of point selection and pattern diagnosis, practitioners use the system to regulate the body.  

What if I am afraid of needles?

It is very common.  So don’t worry.  From a young age, you learned sharp things cause pain.  That is a normal response to the concept of willingly putting needles in your skin.  The first thing to understand that it’s more of a “pin” than a needle.  It’s a little thicker than a shaft of your hair.  It's nothing like the hypodermic needles you know from the doctor’s office.  I often start with light treatment for those who have needle fear.   Or I do the treatment on the back.  The back tends to be less sensitive and you don’t have to see anything.  The treatment tends to be so relaxing while it is happening that after the needles are inserted, you drift away and the fear tends to diminish.  I also give everyone a “panic button”.  If you need me, you call me and I will be right there for you.  Sometimes just knowing there is a way out or that you have the ability to communicate calms much of the fear.  

If you have anymore questions, please contact me. I’m always happy to explain anything.