WHAT TO EXPECT
What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
The first appointment starts with a long conversation, for around one hour, as it goes over all of your health history and concerns. Then, the acupuncturist will examine your tongue’s shape, color, and coating (no tongue brushing before treatment!), feel your pulse, and possibly perform some additional physical examinations depending on your individual health needs.
To begin the acupuncture treatment, you'll lay comfortably on a treatment table while some points are selected and gently needled you. You may be face up, face down or even sideways. The needles are usually retained between five and 30 minutes.
Return appointments usually last 45 minutes to 1 hour. Most patients are encouraged to come in weekly initially, with the appointments getting further apart as milestones are reached.
There are different services and techniques that may or may not be used in each treatment.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothing. Most point are around and below the elbow and knees, or on the belly. Sometimes the practitioner may decide to do a back treatment, in which case normal clasp bras are better than sport tops.
How many treatments will I need?
The frequency and number of treatments differ from person to person. Some people experience dramatic relief in the first treatment. For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, one to two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, depending on the severity.
Does it hurt?
Honest answer: rarely. Since it involves breaking the skin, sometimes a quick sensation can be felt, however most patients hardly feel anything with the insertions and report feeling relaxed while in treatment. It is very interesting, as points with more sensation usually have a meaning behind it.
The process is usually so simple that babies are completely fine having it done.
But... I've heard things...
Yes, some of the techniques used can leave discoloration on the skin. It became a hot topic after big names such as Michael Phelps, The Rock and Jennifer Aniston were photographed with circles on their backs and shoulders. Discoloration is therapeutically acceptable, but nothing too extreme. Make sure to only have procedures, such as cupping, done by a licensed professional who knows what they are doing, what to look for and when to stop.
