what to know before your first acupuncture treatment

9 Things You Should Know Before Your First Acupuncture Treatment

• 1.) Acupuncture treats more than just pain.. Acupuncturists find it unfortunate when patients cancel appointments...
• 2.) Eat a little something before your treatment.. An important thing to remember is that you should eat a little...
• 3.) You don’t need to remove all of your clothes for a treatment..

Full Answer

What can I expect after receiving an acupuncture treatment?

Sometimes after receiving an acupuncture treatment you may feel a little lightheaded or “woozy.” If that is the case, please sit for a while in our waiting area. In a few minutes you’ll be relaxed and clear-headed. It’s best if you do not come to your appointment on an empty or full stomach.

Should I go to acupuncture If I’m not feeling well?

If something feels off in your body but begins to fade before your appointment, it’s best to still go anyways. 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.

How long do the needles stay in during acupuncture treatment?

A heat lamp and/or space heater are available should you feel cold during your treatment. The needles will be left in for approximately 25-35 minutes. During this time the practitioner will check on you several times, and a finger bell will be available should you need to contact your acupuncturist for any reason.

What should I do before my appointment?

Make sure to drink lots of water and have something in your stomach a few hours before your appointment. Having enough energy in the body will help avoid any lightheadedness, dizziness, or risk of fainting during or after the session. A pretty standard guideline is to eat about two hours before your appointment.

What do I need to know for my first acupuncture appointment?

Make sure to drink lots of water and have something in your stomach a few hours before your appointment. Having enough energy in the body will help avoid any lightheadedness, dizziness, or risk of fainting during or after the session. A pretty standard guideline is to eat about two hours before your appointment.

What can I expect at my first acupuncture?

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?

Sometimes your first acupuncture treatment will be more painful than your following treatments. This could be because certain energy points on your body are being activated for the first time. Your symptoms may worsen slightly before they get better. “Pain isn't a negative thing, but you don't want it to last.

What should I eat before acupuncture?

Protein or fresh, whole food is recommended. You should eat at least anywhere from a few hours before a session to 45 minutes beforehand. If you don't even have a light snack, you may experience light-headedness, dizziness or even fainting. The same can be said if you are very hungry before a session.

How do I prepare for my first acupuncture?

How to Prepare for an Acupuncture AppointmentSet Aside Time Before and After Your Appointment. ... Bring a List of All Your Current Medications and Supplements. ... Eat an Appropriate Amount Before Your Appointment. ... Opt for Loose-Fitting, Comfortable Clothing. ... Avoid Caffeine Before Your Appointment.

Do and don'ts after acupuncture?

What Should You NOT Do After Acupuncture?Avoid Caffeine & Alcohol. After an acupuncture session, your body works actively to flush out toxins. ... Avoid Strenuous Exercise. You may feel a boost of energy after your acupuncture treatment – this is one of its many benefits. ... Rest & Heal. ... How Can I Get Started with Acupuncture?

Do you get undressed for acupuncture?

Wearing loose things will allow you to remain clothed during your appointment. It will also help access these areas. The doctor may ask you to undress down to your underwear to access specific points. If this makes you uncomfortable, you should not be afraid to talk about it.

What should I avoid after acupuncture?

So, what should clients avoid after acupuncture? Clients should avoid strenuous exercise, caffeine, junk food, alcohol, cold temperatures, digital screens, and, where possible, stressful situations.

What are the negative side effects of acupuncture?

As with any treatment, acupuncture may cause side effects in some individuals....Side effects may include:Pain and bleeding from the needle insertion.Nausea.Infections.Skin rash.Allergic reaction.Bruising around the area the needles were placed.Dizziness17.

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).

Should you drink a lot of water after acupuncture?

Your body can easily become dehydrated after an acupuncture treatment so you need to make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. And avoid caffeine and alcohol. You need to avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol because they will dehydrate you even more. You also need to watch what you eat.

Do you tip an acupuncturist?

You don't need to tip your acupuncturist. Only 24 percent of people tip their acupuncturist all the time or occasionally.

What to know before acupuncture?

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

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.

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.

What do acupuncturists look for in a patient?

You want to know family medical history, accidents and traumas your body has sustained, broken bones, surgeries or significant illnesses. You also want to let the treater know what medications you take. Do not be surprised if you are asked about bodily functions like bowel movements and urination.

How does acupuncture help you relax?

Part of acupuncture deals with getting you to relax. The body can only heal itself when it is not revved up preparing for the next big thing you have to do. Accordingly, you should not schedule an appointment when you have to run somewhere afterward. Being worried or anxious may lead to adverse side effects like nausea or lethargy. You may also feel tired right after the treatment ends. It is critical that you allow your body and mind to enjoy the experience and unwind.

How many gauges are used for acupuncture?

Needles come in gauges, and the higher the number, the smaller the needle. A hypodermic needle ranges in size from 25 to 27 gauges whereas an acupuncture needle is between 30 to 40 gauges. The depth of the needle depends on where in the body it is being inserted. The average is between 3 and 5 millimeters. Most patients do not report pain when the needles are inserted due to their small size and shallow insertion.

What happens if you don't eat before a syringe?

According to the Huffington Post, if you do not eat two hours before getting treatment, you may feel lightheaded. Your belly does not have to be full, but you should have something in there. Otherwise, you may start to feel lightheaded and sick during and after treatment. If you forget to eat, make sure you stop and grab a snack to down on your way.

Can you use acupuncture for pain?

You may have heard of acupuncture but are not sure how it works or whether it would be beneficial for you. However, your doctor has recently encouraged you to give it a try. While you are all about getting relief from pain, you do not necessarily understand how needles can alleviate it. To ease your stress, take a look at these five things you should know before you go to your first session.

Can you skip coffee after acupuncture?

Whether you are accustomed to a single latte or six cups of coffee, you should skip it the day of your treatment. Caffeine is a stimulant and can cause your heart rate to increase and your breathing to quicken. Since acupuncture is meant to counteract this fight-or-flight type of body system, introducing caffeine may render the process moot.

How long do you leave a needle in for a syringe?

A heat lamp and/or space heater are available should you feel cold during your treatment. The needles will be left in for approximately 25-35 minutes.

Can acupuncture make you worse?

Very rarely, symptoms may become worse after an acupuncture treatment. This is often a sign that previously dormant conditions are being awakened so that complete healing may occur. This should pass quickly. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic.

Can you feel lightheaded after acupuncture?

Plan to take it easy after your treatment. Sometimes after receiving an acupuncture treatment you may feel a little lightheaded or “woozy.”. If that is the case, please sit for a while in our waiting area. In a few minutes you’ll be relaxed and clear-headed.

What does it feel like to be acupunctured?

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

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.

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.

Is group acupuncture affordable?

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.

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.

How long does it take to relax after acupuncture?

While acupuncture is more like a medical office visit rather than a spa appointment, it is very relaxing. After the pins have been inserted in the acupuncture points, you will relax on the table for around 15 minutes. This is a great time to clear your mind, meditate, or take a nap. Most people go into a deep state of relaxation--this is a state where profound healing occurs.

Where are acupuncture points located?

Many acupuncture points are on the legs below the knees and the arms below the elbows. This means skinny jeans and tight, long sleeved shirts will likely interfere with treatment.

What is TCM in Chinese medicine?

This includes looking at the tongue to help make a diagnosis. Its shape, quality, color, and coating are all taken into account. For this reason, it's best not to eat colorful candy or brush your tongue before your treatment.

What is acupuncture therapy?

This means that in addition to details about your specific concerns, acupuncturists are also interested in how the body functions as a whole. When filling out your intake forms as well as in the initial interview, the more information we have about your history + current health as well as your lifestyle, the better.

Is an acupuncture needle a cat whisker?

Acupuncture needles are about as fine as a cat whisker: they are nothing like the hypodermic needles you are used to from the doctor's office. For this reason, we often refer to them as "pins"--however, this still doesn't do their size justice--they are much thinner than a typical pin!