Acupuncture

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

Your first treatment is 90 minutes and will require a full intake. This is where your health history, concerns, and goals are discussed. Your pulse will be taken, and/or your tongue will be viewed for diagnosis. You will then rest on the comfy table, and we can continue to chat as the acupuncture needles are placed in specific locations based on our condition. These treatments may also include e-stim, moxa, cupping or guasha therapy as needed.

You will rest with the needles in for at least 20-30 minutes and enjoy what our patients call a lovely ‘acu nap.’ From there, we’ll discuss the treatment plan, when to schedule your next follow-up, any dietary and/or lifestyle, and Chinese herbal or dietary recommendations. Follow ups are 60 minutes or 90 minutes depending on your preference. The following sessions will usually be slightly shorter on the intake because we will have a clearer sense of how we will work best together to achieve your health goals effectively.

How does acupuncture work? Explain it to me scientifically!

Acupuncture needles are solid (filiform) and much thinner than hypodermic needles. Acupuncture points are areas of electrical sensitivity. Studies have recently shown that acupuncture points have less electrical resistance than any other points on the body. Inserting metal needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins. These neurotransmitters have several bodily functions, including pain relief, regulating inflammation, and influencing the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for many things, from back pain and arthritis to PMS and infertility, as well as anxiety and depression. Other physiological effects of acupuncture include increased circulation and T-cell count, stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, decreased inflammation, and relief from muscle spasms.

Do the needles hurt?

No, the needles hardly hurt. Most people barely feel anything when needles are inserted. Some locations are more sensitive to needles than others. Some people feel a slight pinch, and others ask, “Is it in yet?” Acupuncture needles are solid, flexible, and very thin (about the width of two hairs).

There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. Some styles specifically note that feeling the needles upon insertion aids in healing. These may include slight cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation traveling along a meridian. If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild and temporary. If any discomfort persists, the needles will be removed or adjusted.

How often do I need to come in for treatment?

The frequency of treatment completely depends on your medical condition. In the beginning, you’ll likely need to come in more frequently to accelerate the healing process (e.g. 2x per week for 4 weeks). We then can begin to space out treatments based on results (e.g. 1x weekly). As symptoms improve we can extend the gaps between visits longer (e.g. 1x every 2-3 weeks). Too long of a gap between sessions can hinder the progress. We don’t want to keep chasing the issue after it comes up, we want to build your resources to prevent it from recurring. Acupuncture is a preventative form of healthcare and the benefits accumulate overtime. After the main condition lessens substantially, monthly visits are often a good sweet spot to continue health tune-ups and address or avoid new problems.

Each persons health is unique however, you’ll likely see a shift in your health after just 3-4 treatments. In general to see substantial results: 6-8 treatments for acute pain. For chronic, 8-12 treatments. For menstrual related, 3 cycles.