Is Acupuncture Safe?

When performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely safe.  All licensed acupuncturists today use individually packaged, sterile, disposable needles and are trained and certified in safe needle technique

Does it Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair, and their insertion is practically painless.  It is nothing like receiving an ordinary injection.  In some cases, you  will not even know the needles are in place.  In others, there may be some tingling, warmth, heaviness or a sensation of movement up or down the area around the needle insertion.  Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment.

How does Acupuncture Work?

Modern Western medicine cannot yet explain how acupuncture works.  Oriental Medicine is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi, a fine, essential substance which nourishes and constructs the body. Qi flows through distinct channels that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels.  According to this theory, acupuncture adjusts the flow of qi in the body, leading it to areas where it is insufficient and draining it from areas where it is stuck and/or overabundant.
In this way, acupuncture restores the harmonious balance of the body and its parts.  In Chinese, there is a saying,

“If there is pain, there is no free flow;
if there is free flow, there is no pain.”

Acupuncture promotes and reestablishes the free flow of qi.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

That depends on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint.  You may need only one or two treatments for an acute condition.  A series of 5-10 treatments may resolve many chronic problems.  Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.  To help reduce the number of treatments, we may suggest dietary modifications, specific exercise regimes, relaxations techniques, self-massage, and/or Chinese herbal medicines, all of which may help to increase the efficacy of acupuncture.

Is There Anything I Need To Do Before and During an Acupuncture Treatment?

The following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.

Wear loose clothing.  Women should not wear one piece dresses.  Avoid wearing tight stockings.  Most of the needles will go in the arms and legs below the elbows and knees.  However, we may need to reach your shoulders, thighs, back or abdomen for certain conditions.

Eat before your arrive.  Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset.

Relax.  There is no need to be frightened or anxious.  Ask any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.

Do not change your position or move suddenly.  If you are uncomfortable, let us know.