Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does acupuncture hurt?
Generally speaking acupuncture is not a painful experience, rather a relaxing one. You will feel sensations such as a dull ache or a “running” of energy along the channel. These sensations are normal and show the acupuncture point is working. Very often patients state they did not feel any sensation after the first needle is inserted. There are exceptions, some people are more sensitive to needles. In this case the acupuncturist uses smaller needles and checks in with the patient’s sensitivity. Acupuncture needles are ultra fine needles. For reference, on average 17 acupuncture needles fit into a hypodermic injection needle (used for shots).
2. What does acupuncture do?
Acupuncture stimulates and balances the nervous system, opening circulation, helping the body heal. Stimulation of your acupuncture point protocol improves the physiological functions to heal your symptoms.
3. How long does it take to see and/or feel results?
Results vary based on the individual and condition. After your first visit I’ll have a better idea of whats going on for you and be able to advise a treatment protocol. In general you’ll see faster results the more often you come in. Other factors affecting healing results include mental state, lifestyle, diet, environment, and age. Keep in mind it takes time to produce lasting healing results.
4. What happens in an acupuncture visit?
I welcome you to your treatment room and have you settle in to be comfortable. The first visit starts with a thorough consult, including a check of your tongue and pulse for the acupuncturist’s diagnostics. Then you’ll receive the treatment scheduled. This is followed by recommendations and scheduling following treatments.
5. Why am I being asked about sleep when I came in for neck pain?
In a thorough first consult there may be questions asked that seem irrelevant. Chinese medicine diagnosis uses a different theory thousands of years old to find the appropriate pattern related to your particular issue, as well as your constitutional strengths and struggles. These answers help the acupuncturist to have a clear understanding of your system’s overall functioning to provide the ideal point prescription for your condition.
Western medicine is a few hundred years old, in comparison to the thousands of years Chinese medicine has been provided and developed. Chinese medicine not only treats the symptom, but also the cause of the symptom by re-regulating the nervous system. Two beautiful aspects of this ancient medicine is it 1. works with your body in healing as opposed to causing a reliance on an external factor such as medication, and 2. does not cut into the body like surgery which can cause permanent damage. Chinese medicine also takes into consideration the mind body spirit connection - for example the effects mental stress can have on the physical body.