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. As
the practitioner – it is like fishing. When I put the needle in, if
I have connected with your Qi – then your body will pull the needle
in. If I don’t connect with your Qi – then it feels like I am
putting the needle into a stick of butter!
Does it hurt?
Everybody is different. Some people have lost touch with their body
and don’t really feel the sensation of “De Qi” which can be felt as
an aching, tingling, or just a different feeling as the energy
moves. Other people are almost acutely sensitive to the feeling of
Qi and can be quite sensitive to the needles. 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. So
to some people it can hurt or be uncomfortable. Occasionally if the
needle is inserted a little wrong, it can hurt. I like to
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?
I will have you download my forms or I will mail them to you. This
is so you can fill them out before coming to see me. It 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. I am trying to
get to know as much as possible about you in order to accurately
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. I
will cover you up and 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.
See your health from a new point of
view.
Call 303-881-1971 for a consultation or appointment today.
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