what to expect during acupuncture treatment

How should I feel after my acupuncture?

After swabbing the various acupuncture sites with alcohol, your practitioner will insert very thin, sterile, disposable needles. Although some points are more sensitive than others, the patient will usually feel little to no sensation or discomfort. A heat lamp and/or space heater are available should you feel cold during your treatment.

What does acupuncture actually do?

The most common side effects of acupuncture are soreness, bruising and mild bleeding at insertion sites. However, the procedure isn’t right for everyone because certain people have an increased risk of more serious side effects. If any of the following applies to you, you should probably think twice before undergoing acupuncture:

How to take care of yourself after an acupuncture treatment?

 · What to Expect: Side effects of acupuncture are infrequent, but they can occur. They also tend to be very mild when (and if) they do occur. The most common side effects are explained below. Fatigue While most people notice a marked improvement in their symptoms following acupuncture, some feel worse before they start feeling better.

Can acupuncture make things worse?

 · Recent scientific studies reinforce what we already know – that acupuncture is effective in treating a variety of health and wellness concerns, including pain, nausea, dizziness, chronic conditions, and more. Acupuncture works in conjunction with the body’s energy which is called “Qi” (pronounced “chee”).

Do you have to take your clothes off for acupuncture?

No problem at all! You will be asked to remove your jeans and given privacy to do so. Large towels or sheets will be used to provide appropriate draping and coverage at all times. After all I want you to feel relaxed, cosy and safe.

How do you prepare for an acupuncture session?

Things to AvoidAvoid Heavy Greasy Foods and Caffeine. As mentioned in #3 above, it is recommended to have a light snack before your appointment, but you should avoid greasy or heavy meals. ... Don't Brush Your Tongue. ... Avoid Stimulants and Depressants for at Least 12 Hours.

What can I expect at my first acupuncture visit?

Typically, sessions may go for 20 to 30 minutes depending on your treatment. The acupuncturist will usually dim the lights and put on quiet music to help you relax. They'll come in and check on you throughout your session to make sure you're comfortable. Some patients actually fall asleep during the treatment.

Does acupuncture hurt first time?

There can be discomfort but the sensations from acupuncture will change after the initial prick and at times, throughout the treatment. Some of the common sensations are: itchiness, heat or warmth, tightening, a dull ache, a muscle twitch, electrical sensation down a body part or static-y feeling.

Do and don'ts after acupuncture?

What NOT To Do After AcupunctureDon't become a busy body. In short terms, experts recommend resting after acupuncture therapy near LAX. ... Don't take coffee and alcohol. ... Avoid ice and cold. ... This isn't the period for junk food. ... Don't engage in stressful activities.

Should you take a shower after acupuncture?

After acupuncture, massage, cupping and/or any other type of body work, you should not take a shower or go swimming for 12-24 hours. This allows the treatment to remain in the body undisturbed.

Why do you fall asleep during acupuncture?

Acupuncture lessens anxiety, stimulates melatonin production, induces sleep onset, and reduce sleep disruption and arousal during the night. All of these effects amount to an overall increase in total sleep time.

What happens the day after acupuncture?

Soreness from acupuncture typically dissipates within 24 hours. Although less common than soreness, bruising can occur at the needling site. These bruises usually don't hurt and last a few days after the treatment. There is no treatment necessary and they will dissipate on their own.

How should I feel after my first acupuncture treatment?

What to Expect After Treatment: In general, people tend to feel relaxed after an acupuncture treatment. And the days following might even mean better sleep, digestion, and an overall sense of well-being. But some patients report having a deeper, more intense effect in the days following a session.

How long do acupuncture needles stay in?

In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.

How long should you rest after acupuncture?

Acupuncture has a calming effect, so you may want to get a ride home from your appointments — especially the first one. If that's not possible, try to rest for five to 10 minutes before you drive. Your practitioner may suggest that you take it easy for a day or two after each session.

Does acupuncture make you poop?

According to licensed acupuncturist Dr. Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, acupressure promotes peristalsis, the movement of your intestinal muscles. This helps move stool through your digestive system. The practice also activates the vagus nerve, which is involved in healthy digestive function.

What time of day is best for acupuncture?

For example, qi is strongest on the stomach meridian of Foot-Yangming between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., which indicates that the optimum time for acupuncture at the Foot-Yangming is between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. (9).

What should I avoid after acupuncture?

Acupuncture clients should stick to healthy foods, ideally those rich in antioxidants, after a session in order to promote the elimination of toxins from the body. Avoid anything overly processed, fried, refined sugars, caffeine, and alcohol.

How are you supposed to feel after acupuncture?

What to Expect After Treatment: In general, people tend to feel relaxed after an acupuncture treatment. And the days following might even mean better sleep, digestion, and an overall sense of well-being. But some patients report having a deeper, more intense effect in the days following a session.

Can you have acupuncture sitting up?

Ideally, patients should be in a relaxed and open body position to receive acupuncture. People don't always seem to know how they should situate themselves for the treatment session, so this post is meant to serve as a friendly instructional note or a reminder.

What to know before acupuncture?

1. There will be a lengthy interview before hand, with questions you usually don’t get asked.

What to ask acupuncturist for first time?

If it’s your first time seeing an acupuncture practitioner, you might have a million questions. What do I wear? How long will it take? What will it cost? And probably, most importantly, will I feel the needles ?

Why do acupuncturists ask questions?

While it may feel unrelated, acupuncturists ask these questions because many conditions can manifest from basic digestive functions or another seemingly unrelated system in the body. Do your best to answer them as accurately as possible to help your doctor best diagnose and treat you. 2.

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.

How many gauges are used for acupuncture?

On the flip side, most acupuncture needles range between 30-40 gauges, making them significantly more thin.

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 do acupuncturists do?

6. Remember to say “aah!”. Acupuncturists will want to address the state of your internal organs, so will likely take your pulse, feel your abdomen, and inspect the tongue before the needling begins.

How to determine acupuncture treatment?

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: The parts of your body that are painful. The shape, coating and color of your tongue. The color of your face.

Why do people use acupuncture points?

In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Some believe that this stimulation boosts your body's natural painkillers.

What is ear acupuncture?

Ear acupuncture involves placing acupuncture needles into specific points around the ear. These points are believed to correspond with specific organs, emotions or sensory feelings.

How to become a non-physician acupuncturist?

Most states require that nonphysician acupuncturists pass an exam conducted by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Interview the practitioner.

What is the Chinese medicine called that focuses on balancing the flow of energy?

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.

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.

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.

How does acupuncture affect you emotionally?

People have a variety of reactions to acupuncture treatment. Particularly in the first treatment, or after a particularly stressful or otherwise difficult time in your life – the emotional reaction can be very intense. You may feel like crying, laughing hysterically or expressing yourself in another way. So long as you stay as still as possible (so as not to bend the needles – this can be uncomfortable) please feel free to let your emotions flow out of you. This is part of the treatment. You may also have strange or uncomfortable thoughts, see shapes/colors as if in a semi-dreaming state, or go into a true dreaming state by falling asleep!

What is a pleasant experience in Chinese medicine?

1. A pleasant experience in setting up your appointment and getting your questions answered. 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.

How to get Qi out of the body?

Treatment will consist of the use of needles or pressure (with hand or other implement) to access the Qi of the channels, usually at specific points along the body. It may also involve the use of moxibustion (the burning of a medicinal herb either directly on the body or indirectly from an inch or so away), cupping (glass cups placed on the skin with a negative pressure, producing suction) or other techniques specific to the doctor's training.

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 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.

How to diagnose CM?

Another very important diagnostic technique is the observation of the tongue. In CM, the tongue is thought to be a “microcosm” of the entire body. This means that the entire body is reflected onto the tongue in such a way that observing the quality of the tongue in particular areas tells the practitioner something about the corresponding area of the body. They will look at the color of the tongue body, the quality and color of the “fur” on the tongue as well as the general shape and any deviations in form. It can be a little embarrassing to show your tongue to someone you don't know – but it is important and the doctor will appreciate your cooperation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient method of medicine that originated in China thousands of years ago. Recent scientific studies reinforce what we already know – that acupuncture is effective in treating a variety of health and wellness concerns, including pain, nausea, dizziness, chronic conditions, and more.

Preparing For Your Acupuncture Treatment

In order to get the most out of your acupuncture treatment, it is important to properly prepare yourself before your appointment.

Before Your Acupuncture Treatment: Initial Consultation

Before your acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist will do an initial consultation to assess your overall health.

The Acupuncture Treatment: What to Expect

The actual acupuncture treatment is simple and straightforward. You will be asked to lie down or sit on a table and the acupuncturist will place needles into various points on your body.

After Your Acupuncture Treatment

Following your acupuncture session, you will be encouraged to drink extra water and relax. You may find yourself feeling calm and rested after the treatment – although some people feel more energized!

The Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatment can help address a range of conditions and discomforts, both physical and mental.

Acupuncture Services in Edmonton

Red Leaf Wellness is a multi-disciplinary clinic located in Edmonton, Alberta, that offers services that emphasize whole integrative health for better wellness and healing.

Understanding Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been around for about 2,500 years. It is used in China to cure diseases and improve well-being. It has been used for centuries to treat all kinds of health conditions as a form of alternative medicine.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Some people experience mild pain, usually described as throbbing or tingling during an acupuncture session, but this experience is not defined as pain. The feeling is not dangerous or bad; however, in some cases, it may cause discomfort for a few days or weeks after the procedure.

Do Acupuncture Needles Hurt?

Forget about your definition of the word ‘needles’ if the term to you denotes pain because that is not what acupuncture has to offer.

What Are The Side Effects?

We have already established that acupuncture is not painful or harmful, but you might be wondering why it does not hurt and why it does not cause pain? Pain tolerance varies from person to person and can be due to a lot of factors specific to an individual’s condition and tolerance level..

How to Prepare for Your Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture should be a relaxing and calming treatment. You should avoid taking an appointment during a strenuous or stressful day.

What Should You Expect During Treatment?

Putting a needle under the skin may not sound like the best way to feel better, but that's exactly how acupuncture works. A licensed acupuncturist will work with you to develop a positive and effective treatment plan. The acupuncturist will ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms.

Where Can I Get Treatment?

At Natural Care Chiropractic, Our Chiropractors Dr. Freund and Dr. Gopal has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of acupuncture, the diseases and symptoms it treats, as well as how and why it works.

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 get ready for acupuncture?

When getting ready for your first acupuncture appointment, sooth your concerns by writing down your questions and the information you’ve found about the acupuncturist and the treatment. Know that you can take notes both before and after your appointment to help enhance your acupuncture experience.

Why do you relax before needles are set?

By relaxing before the needles are set, you keep your muscles and nerves relaxed and receptive. This makes it easier on your acupuncturist .

What to do after needles are set into pressure points?

After the needles have been set into the pressure points, this is the time for you to take a deep breath and relax again.

How to relax your body after a stroke?

This is your time of healing. So take a deep breath and just keep focusing on slow and steady breathing which will help relax your mind and body.

How to get a better recovery time?

Take a deep breath before your appointment begins to get relaxed and let go of any frustrations or anxiety you brought in with you. By being relaxed, you can help improve both your treatment and your recovery time.

What to do when your first appointment is over?

When your first appointment has ended, take specific notes about the things you liked and disliked about the treatment, what the effects were, and what you felt later on.

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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