FAQs

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is very safe. All needles are sterilized, single-use, disposable needles and Clean Needle Technique is employed at all times. Acupuncture is also very safe for women who are pregnant and is a great way to support your health during your pregnancy.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture can elicit a range of sensations. At some points you may not feel anything, while at others you may feel a dull heavy sensation around the needle. Sometimes that dull, heavy sensation will move during the treatment. These are all normal responses to acupuncture. Any sharp or nerve-like feelings are rare, and should be reported to the practitioner if they occur. Most patients report a sense of deep relaxation after a treatment.

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

First, your acupuncturist will ask about your health history. Then, he or she will examine your tongue’s shape, color, and coating, feel your pulse, and possibly perform some additional physical examinations depending on your individual health needs. Using these unique assessment tools, the acupuncturist will be able to recommend a proper treatment plan to address your particular condition. To begin the acupuncture treatment, you lay comfortably on a treatment table while precise acupoints are stimulated on various areas of your body. Most people feel little to no discomfort as the fine, pre-sterilized needles are gently placed. The needles are usually retained between five and 30 minutes. During and after treatments, people report that they feel very relaxed.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

Please wear loose fitting clothing if possible and be sure to eat something within the 1-2 hour period before you come to your acupuncture appointment. For the purposes of diagnosis, please do not brush your tongue on the day of your appointment.

How long will my course of treatment be?

The length of treatment differs widely depending on the person and the condition that is being treated.   Acute conditions like a cold or an acute injury will often only require a few treatments. Chronic conditions, including PMS, asthma, and chronic back pain, will generally require treatment over a longer period of time.  However, you should start to see changes in the condition within the first few treatments.

The general health of the person being treated also affects the length of treatment. A fairly healthy individual is expected to respond faster than someone who is depleted from long-term illness.  Since each person responds differently to acupuncture, it may take a few treatments before an accurate estimate of the number of treatments that will be necessary

How long does it take to work?

Most people notice some sort of change after the first session – feeling uplifted, relaxed, or an increased level of energy. This is an indication that the treatment is working as the function of the body is improving. Some treatments provide instant relief, while others take longer to accumulate one treatment at a time. Results can vary from person to person for many reasons – overall health, the condition, lifestyle factors and individual responses to acupuncture. Your rate of recovery will become clearer within the first four sessions. If there are any lifestyle factors that may hinder your progress, this will be discussed in the first few sessions.

Does acupuncture work for everyone?

There is general way most people to respond to treatment. Beyond that, there are people who respond quickly and others who take longer to see results. Occasionally, with the best efforts from both the patient and practitioner, some people just don’t respond to treatment. Sometimes lifestyle habits might be impacting the effectiveness of the treatment, and sometimes it turns out there’s some other underlying reason that acupuncture can’t help.