Q & A

What does acupuncture feel like?

The typical sensations are aching, tingling, or heaviness. This is how we know we've connected with your Qi - or life force energy. Acupuncture should not feel burning, stinging, or painful. The needles are about the size of a human hair. They are designed to minimize pain on insertion. To some people it can be uncomfortable. I communicate with you as a patient during the needling process so that you learn to recognize what Qi feels like for you and to make sure that you are comfortable.

 

How many treatments will I need?

Some people experience results on the first treatment. Each treatment builds on the last one, so it is important that they are properly spaced out. Four to Six treatments should be giving you some significant results. I will be making lifestyle suggestions as well and your cooperation and participation in your healing will speed things up. The longer the body has been out of balance, the longer the process takes.

What will happen the first time I come to see you?

You can download the forms or fill the forms out at your first appointment. Filling out the forms before your appointment gives you time to think about the answers. Certain things that you may not really look at can be very helpful in giving me a window into your body. Examples of these are your bowel movements, urine, and menstrual cycles for women. I will want to know what time of day something happens at or if the pain is sharp or dull. These questions are fundamental to diagnose your pattern.

The first appointment is about an hour and a half. It can be up to two hours if your health history is quite complicated. When you come into my office for the first appointment, we will sit down and I will do an intake. We will probably talk for about an hour as we go over what you have written on the forms and I ask you more questions.

You will get an acupuncture treatment on your first appointment, but I will not use very many needles and we will take it slowly - especially if it is your first time. I may recommend diet or lifestyle changes, herbs, or liniments.

After the needles are inserted, I will ask if you are comfortable and cover you up to make sure that you are warm enough. You will lie on the massage table and many people say they feel energy moving in their body. There is soothing music playing and it is quiet and peaceful. The needles are left in place for about 20 minutes. I will be nearby if you need anything.

After the time is up, I will return to the room and remove the needles. At this point, most people wake up from their "nap". I will have you get up slowly and insure that you are not dizzy or too out of it. It is important to give yourself a little time to come back to earth before you start driving.

What are the follow-up appointments like?

The next time you come in, we will do a very short intake. I will want to know how your last treatment was and how much better your chief complaint has gotten. The follow-up appointment is only an hour long. We talk less and you are more used to the experience of acupuncture.