Yes, you feel it. And nope it doesn’t hurt. It feels weird, like no other feeling you’ve had before. Some people even say they don’t feel anything. Usually, it depends on where the needle is placed and how sensitive the individual is. Sometimes people feel a dull, heavy distention around the needle and sometimes people experience sensations where there are no needles. However, it’s very common to fall asleep once the needles are in and even the needle-phobic patients are often the first ones to be snoozing during treatment! 

A question that ultimately stumps the mainstream scientific paradigm. Acupuncture is a tool within a system of medicine that understands meridians or channels that circulate energy through the body — through the tissues and organs. It is through the meridians that acupuncture points emerge. Any disorder, disease, or disharmony in the body can be attributed to the stagnation of energy or “qi.” During acupuncture, the brain recognizes “something is happening” and sends blood to the insertion point to investigate, triggering the “inflammatory” response and circulating oxygen, minerals, and resources both to the point of insertion and to other areas that may help the body recover. Essentially, this speeds up the healing process. 

Pain. Insomnia. Bloating. Infertility. Fatigue. Stress. Low Back Pain. Migraines. Allergies. Irregular Periods. Painful periods. Constipation. Anxiety. Post-surgical inflammation. PCOS. Menopause. Acne. Lactation. Depression. Auto-immune disease. Arthritis. Acid reflux. Jaw pain. Sciatic pain. Concentration. Asthma. Cough. Swelling. Tinnitus. Impotence. Toothache. Vomiting. 

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it gives you a good sense of the wide range of conditions that acupuncture can treat.

This is different for everyone. So the answer is: it depends! The course of treatments depends on how long the condition has been going on for.  However, 8-10 visits is a good place to start. After your initial appointment, I will discuss a customized treatment plan with you. Acupuncture has additive effects, meaning it works best when done consistently over a certain length of time. Although acupuncture can at times appear magical, best results are seen when a treatment plan is followed that best fits you and your individual needs. While some people choose to receive acupuncture treatments indefinitely for general wellness and maintenance, it is always my goal to discharge patients who have achieved their goals and are feeling their best!

Before coming in for your acupuncture appointment I recommend eating a meal 1-2 hours before. Acupuncture can lower blood-pressure and/or blood sugar so it is best to not come with an empty stomach in order to decrease any risk of fainting. In an ideal world, it is best to avoid caffeine before your appointment. Other than that, wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes so I can easily access your arms, legs, and abdomen. 

It is best to maintain a relaxed and calm state for as long as possible following your treatment. Obviously, life happens but try to aim for a chill day where you can drink lots of water! I recommend avoiding caffeine, alcohol, heavy exercise, and excessive stress for 24 hours (I will definitely let you know when I figure out how to avoid stress permanently). 

It’s true, I have come across skeptics. And yes, please be skeptical, but not to the point that you close yourself off from the potential of healing. I’ve heard some people say “I don’t believe in acupuncture.” While everyone is entitled to their opinion, I do like to remind these “fun” people that canine acupuncture has been repeatedly proven effective and none of the dogs claim they believe in it either. Fortunately for them, acupuncture doesn’t require a person’s (or puppy’s) belief.