1. WHY TRY ACUPUNCTURE? 

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Acupuncture interacts with the body's soft tissues (muscles, tendons), and regulates organs and autonomic processes to improve the ability to repair and recover. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s regulatory effects on the nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. By stimulating these various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being, to name a few of the many benefits.

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2. BEFORE YOUR VISIT

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Make sure you have had a light meal or snack and are well hydrated before you arrive. Acupuncture is not recommended during a fast. Eliminating caffeine two hours before and after a treatment will optimize its effects. Avoid alcohol or other intoxicants the day of the appointment.

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3. HOW TO PREPARE?

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If pain is a concern for you, think about words to describe the specific sensations, when they occur, how often, with what intensity, and exactly where are they located. Words often used to describe different types of pain include: burning, dull or achy, stabbing, sharp, radiating, numb, tingling, pins and needles, heavy, steady, throbbing, or intermittent. Consider whether anything makes the pain better or worse, such as heat or cold, time of day, weather, certain positions or particular foods.  Also, please make sure you can list all current medications and supplements.

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4. WHAT TO WEAR?

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If possible, wear or bring loose-fitting clothes that can be easily rolled up or adjusted. Often, no undressing is required as most needling can be done with a simple repositioning of loose-fitting clothing. Gowns are available for patients wearing restrictive clothing, or if access to mid-body areas is required for treatment.

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5. DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

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No, acupuncture should not hurt. Extremely thin, sterile stainless steel needles are gently inserted into acupuncture points around the body. You may feel slight sensations such as a pinch, dull ache, warmth, tingling or numbness. This is a desired response; it means your body is responding to the treatment. It should NOT be painful. If you do experience any continuous pain or discomfort, advise your practitioner immediately, as your needles may need to be adjusted or removed.

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6. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

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Patients generally report feeling relaxed and calm following their treatments. If any excessive sleepiness is felt, you should sit in the waiting room for a few minutes before driving.  Drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous work or exercise. Proper care and consideration of your body and mind following a treatment will increase the positive effects of the treatment. On occasion, you may experience a small bruise where a needle was inserted. If you experience any pain, large bruises, swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness after an acupuncture treatment, advise your practitioner or doctor immediately.

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7. HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

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The number of treatments recommended depends on several factors: the nature of the condition, the duration, frequency and severity, the overall health of the patient, as well as how compliant the patient is with the recommendations following a treatment. Chronic cases may require twice weekly visits for some weeks, and then taper off as the patient makes progress. For many people, acupuncture is often a last resort when all other therapies have failed. With this in mind, it is strongly recommended that you come in for a minimum of six sessions to fully experience the benefits of acupuncture and then repeat sessions every few months to maintain your progress. Everyone responds differently to acupuncture, but you can expect to see significant improvements within the first few sessions. You may even see dramatic changes after the first treatment.