Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Acupuncture painful?
A. Upon insertion, the patient may feel a heavy or sore sensation if there is an energy blockage, but it is most often painless. The needles are extremely thin. As the acupuncturist stimulates the needle, you may feel some tingling, heaviness, distention, or electrical sensations around the needle or moving throughout the meridian. Often throughout the treatment most patients state they feel relaxed, comfortable, and can feel something moving within.
Q. What are the needles like?
A. The needles are about the width of a piece of human hair. They are stainless steel, sterilized at the factory with ethylene gas, and are a one-time use. There is absolutely no risk of infection. The site of insertion is cleaned with alcohol.
Q. How deep do the needles go?
A. The depth of the needle insertion depends on the individual age, constitution, what body parts is being selected for point location, and the issue being addressed. Most often needles are inserted from 1/4 body inch to 1 body inch in depth.
Q. Is there anything I need to do before going to my first appointment?
1. Wear loose comfortable clothing.
2. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, famished, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.
3. Eat a small amount of food at least 1 hour before treatment.
4. Always tell your practitioner if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker.
5. Refrain from alcoholic beverages before and after treatment.
Q. What should I expect at my first visit?
A. You will fill out a questionaire on your health history and be interviewed. You are likely to be asked questions about your lifestyle patterns, constitution, and general physical symptoms. Tongue and Pulse will be checked. First treatments usually last 90 minutes and any treatments thereafter are about 60 minutes long.
Q. Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
A. Once treatment has begun do not get up from the table or change positions. Try to do some deep breathing, close your eyes and relax. Falling asleep during treatment is ok. Call your practitioner if you feel faint. If you find yourself uncomfortable at any point, call your practitioner so that they can make the proper adjustments to the needles or stop the treatment.
Q. Will I need one treatment or many?
A. The amount of treatments a person needs depends on the nature, severity, and duration of the problem. For a newly acquired prolem, only 1-2 treatments may be necessary. For long standing problems a series of 6-12 treatments may be required. There are exceptions. Some chronic problems have been quickly alleviated. Individual response to acupuncture varies. No two people can have the same disease in chinese medicine because we are all different. The body will be brought back into balance differently for each individual. Any pattern that has taken a long time to develop generally takes some time to heal. Your practiontioner should be able to give you short and long-term treatment plans.
Q. Why do we get sick?
A. There are many reasons why the energy does not flow and illness occurs. It usually comes from overindulgence in food, alcohol, sex, trauma, poor nutrition, and thoughts/emotions. When the needles are inserted in the right location it can unlock blockages and stimulate free flow of energy relieving symptoms of illness.
Q. What can I expect after my treatment?
A. Most often patients experience less pain or resolved symptoms. Most feel refreshed, energized, relaxed and centered, able to sleep, think, and cope better. I have often seen patients say they felt worse and then felt better the next day. It's can be similar to going through a detox. Alternative medicine is not a quick fix, masking a problem. To get to the root of the problem it takes time for the body to heal. Given the right tools, the body can heal itself.
