acupuncture treatment what to expect

What can I expect at my first acupuncture treatment?

What should I expect from acupuncture?

How long does it take for acupuncture to take effect?

What should you not do after acupuncture?

What are 3 benefits of acupuncture?

Does acupuncture hurt first time?

Are you tired after acupuncture?

Can acupuncture lower blood pressure?

Why do I feel so tired after acupuncture?

How do you know if acupuncture is working?

Should I shower after acupuncture?

Should you drink a lot of water after acupuncture?

How does acupuncture work?

Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.

What is acupuncture used for?

Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including: Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Dental pain. Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines. Labor pain. Low back pain. Neck pain. Osteoarthritis.

Why do people do acupuncture?

Why it's done. Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including: Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Dental pain. Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines. Labor pain . Low back pain. Neck pain. Osteoarthritis.

Where are acupuncture points located?

Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. Your acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A gown, towel or sheet will be provided.

How many needles are used for acupuncture?

The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often don't feel them inserted at all. Between five and 20 needles are used in a typical treatment.

Can acupuncture cause bleeding?

Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Single-use, disposable needles are now the practice standard, so the risk of infection is minimal. Not everyone is a good candidate for acupuncture. You may be at risk of complications if you: Have a bleeding disorder.

How long do needles stay in place?

Needle removal. In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.

Does acupuncture make you feel better?

Acupuncture focuses on the whole body with all of its complex interconnections, and you might be surprised to find that even if you’re feeling “okay,” acupuncture can make you feel great. Often, people will come in for neck, shoulder, or back pain, and then experience release in other areas of the body.

Is acupuncture painless?

7. The needles are pretty painless. Even if you’re typically afraid of needles, you need not be alarmed when it comes to acupuncture! As far as size goes, the needles acupuncturists use are about the width of a few pieces of hair.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Nowadays, more and more insurance plans are starting to cover acupuncture; currently, you’re more likely to receive coverage if you are referred from your primary care physician or have certain ailments such as chronic back, neck, or knee pain.

Can you wear clothes for acupuncture?

Unlike a massage, you’ll be able to keep on your clothes for the acupuncture session. That said, it’s best if you wear loose fitting clothes that can easily be rolled up or maneuvered. In certain cases, acupuncturists will give you a hospital-like gown to wear in order to access your entire back.

How thin is an acupuncture needle?

On the flip side, most acupuncture needles range between 30-40 gauges, making them significantly more thin. Most people are typically surprised by how little they feel the needle, both when it’s inserted into the body and after its in place.

What is needling acupuncture?

Though needling might be an acupuncture practitioner’s main tool, many are licensed in other therapies that fall under the umbrella of Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM). These may include, gua sha, massage, cupping, Chinese herbs, heating/energy work, or acupressure. Depending on what your diagnosis is, your doctor might offer a menu of helpful treatments to get you back into a healthy alignment with your body and mind.

Is it safe to use acupuncture needles?

If you have a million more questions, not to worry. Acupuncture is completely safe (the FDA regulates the needles and requires that practitioners use each needle only once), but it’s understandably a bit mysterious too. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need at your first appointment — a practitioner’s main priority is making sure you ...

What does it feel like to be acupunctured?

You may feel like crying, laughing hysterically or expressing yourself in another way.

Is acupuncture a form of acupuncture?

This is a form of acupuncture where you will be treated – usually fully clothed – in a room with several others. It is typically very affordable and some doctors recommend it to their patients in between “regular” appointments. It will keep your Qi moving and continue the treatment you are receiving.

Do Chinese doctors have business skills?

It has been my experience that otherwise great Chinese medicine physicians don't have a lot of basic business skills. This can result in frustrating experiences for patients. This is not always the case, however. You should be able to expect an effortless appointment set-up process, possibly the mailing of pre-appointment paperwork and related informational materials and a kind reception with plenty of willingness to answer questions. You may even be referred to a website for more information and for downloading paperwork – that's a sign of someone who's been doing their business homework!

What is pulse in Chinese medicine?

They will have you relax your arms and will feel your radial pulse for a minute or more on each side. Sometimes they will return to a pulse they have already felt. Every doctor has a slightly different technique, and some doctors are more skilled in pulse taking than others. This art has been practiced in some form in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It gives the practitioner information about your entire body and everything in it.

Does a doctor restimulate a needle?

Sometimes the doctor will come back to restimulate the needle, producing more sensation and more Qi movement. They may use specialized techniques during this time to further encourage your body's Qi to help in your healing process. The final removal of the needles is usually painless.

What to do if your doctor doesn't talk to you?

If your doctor does not talk to you about your treatment plan, solicit the information. Find out when you should come back and if there is anything you should do in the meantime. In some areas, “group acupuncture” may be available. This is a form of acupuncture where you will be treated – usually fully clothed – in a room with several others. It is typically very affordable and some doctors recommend it to their patients in between “regular” appointments. It will keep your Qi moving and continue the treatment you are receiving. Your doctor may also want to see you briefly if your next appointment is several weeks away in order to take your pulse and observe your tounge and possibly make modifications to your herbal formula.

What is the first part of an acupuncture session?

The first part of each session is a check-in where the acupuncturist will ask about your medical history and symptoms. Be honest about what is bothering you and use this time to ask any questions that may be on your mind. It is equally as important to talk about your experience after and ask any lingering questions. Building a rapport with your acupuncture will allow them to tailor the treatment to you and allow you to relax during treatment.

Does acupuncture help with back pain?

A number of research studies suggest that it may help relieve chronic pain such as low-back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis/knee pain. While the effects of acupuncture are only beginning to be understood, it’s believed that other factors unrelated to needling, such as expectation, play a part in the beneficial effects. Read more information on the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s website.

How does acupuncture help with pain?

In particular, it provides relief for chronic back, neck, and knee pain. It may also provide relief for old injuries that aren’t fully healed, muscle tightness, and more. The mechanism by which this works isn’t completely understood, but when a needle is inserted, the underlying nerve endings communicate with the brain, which then releases a flood of pain-killing endorphins.

Is acupuncture safe?

Fortunately, the risks that are associated with acupuncture are very mild. As long as the treatment is administered by a competent and experienced practitioner using sterile needles, the risk of infection — the most serious potential side effect — is extremely low. The FDA regulates the use of acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires practitioners to use sterile, single-use needles. This has further enhanced the overall safety of this procedure.

Is acupuncture good for anxiety?

Increasingly, people are turning to acupuncture for relief from anxiety. For many, it is a better alternative to commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications, which usually come with long lists of unpleasant side effects.

Does acupuncture help with insomnia?

In some people , acupuncture has been shown to reduce the frequency of insomnia. It is believed to do so by increasing the secretion of nocturnal melatonin. This chemical is prized for its ability to aid and induce sleep.

How to feel better after acupuncture?

Drink plenty of water, and stay comfortable. Don’t plan a big workout right after an acupuncture session. Some people feel relaxed and restful. Some people are energized. See how you respond to the treatments before jumping into something strenuous. 12. Notice the Effects and Give Your Practitioner Feedback.

How to rest after acupuncture?

Acupuncturists recommend that you rest after your appointment to continue the healing process. Drink plenty of water, and stay comfortable. Don’t plan a big workout right after an acupuncture session. Some people feel relaxed and restful. Some people are energized.

What to wear to an acupuncture appointment?

Wear the Proper Clothing. On the day of your appointment, it is important to wear the proper clothing. Loose fitting clothes are great for acupuncture appointments because the practitioner can roll up the clothing items, or ask you to do so if that’s more comfortable for you, to ensure that the right points can be reached. 3.

Is acupuncture intimidating?

Acupuncture doesn’t have to be intimidating for first-time users. With amazing benefits, your appointment can be one you will never forget. Acupuncture might not be for everyone, but for most, the needles and pressure points treatment helps drastically. If you might be interested in trying acupuncture, find and take time to chat with ...

Is acupuncture scary?

The thought of needles puncturing your skin is often fearsome for most people…. But acupuncture doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating. You’ll find that the benefits outweigh the fear, and there is nothing to worry about. In fact, it can be a relaxing ...

Overview

Why It's Done

Risks

What You Can Expect

• Each person who performs acupuncture has a unique style, often blending aspects of Eastern and Western approaches to medicine. To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, your practitioner may ask you about your symptoms, behaviors and lifestyle. He or she may also closely examine: 1. The parts of your body that are ...

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