Does acupuncture hurt?

Being quite sensitive to needling sensation myself, I pride myself on being as gentle as possible when applying acupuncture needles. Each needle is extremely thin and flexible, and for most points, patients hardly feel anything at all upon insertion. A few points are more sensitive than others, but at most there should only be a tiny spark of sensation that comes and goes, and I will always adjust the needle or cease treatment upon your request. Many patients find treatment so relaxing that they end up taking a nap during treatment.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. I am Clean Needle Technique certified, and only use sterile, high-quality, and disposable needles, which I insert at very particular angles, depths, and locations for maximum safety and efficacy. As a Licensed Acupuncturist, I have extensive training in anatomy, and I am meticulous in my choice and placement of acupuncture needles. Equipment for acupuncture is regulated by the FDA, and there are very few and very occasional side effects—for example, rarely a slight bruise may form, but this can easily be mitigated by liniment on hand in the clinic.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Before your visit, you will receive a medical history form via email, which I will use as part of my initial assessment of your condition. Upon arriving in the clinic, we will spend about thirty to forty-five minutes going over any questions you might have, your treatment desires and goals, and doing further assessment via discussion and gentle physical diagnostics. Those diagnostics include assessing your tongue and pulse in a qualitative sense to help assess the current state of your physiology. Thereafter, I will apply treatment via acupuncture and/or Tuina manual therapy, and finish the visit with discussion of helpful ideas for lifestyle and diet.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

Have a light meal about an hour before your appointment, and make sure you are well-hydrated, as dehydration can increase sensitivity to needles. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that can be easily adjusted, and consider what your treatment goals and intentions might be for this particular visit.

What can I expect after treatment?

Ideally, you will feel a reduction in whatever symptoms or discomfort you are having, either immediately or within 24 hours. Staying hydrated and resting after treatment will enhance that effect. Rarely, there may be a short, temporary increase in the intensity of symptoms which will subside within 24-48 hours and often leads to an even more significant overall reduction in symptoms and discomfort.

How many visits will I need?

Every patient is unique, and thus treatment times will vary, but as a rule of thumb we can generally rely on certain timelines:

• For minor, relatively acute conditions or injuries, we will likely see significant improvement in 4 to 6 treatments

• Major or chronic conditions that have existed for years may take up to 8 to 10 treatments to see significant improvement

• In either case, significant improvement may occur after only 2 to 3 treatments—the likelihood of this is greatly aided by complementary changes in lifestyle and diet

How often should I come in for treatment?

For greatly improved effectiveness, more than one treatment a week is ideal—we can discuss discounts for payment in that regard, if your schedule is able to accommodate that. Once a week treatments can be effective, however, and that is the most common pace for treatment over time. As your condition improves, we can space out treatments more and more, and many patients maintain their health by coming in for once a month “tune-up” treatments.