Acupuncture
Most patients will feel the after-effects of an acupuncture session by feeling a sense of relaxation and decreased stress responses, increased immunity. In some cases, some might feel an energetic surge of improved energy.
Main symptoms may begin to change in frequency and/or intensity in the days after the session. The effectiveness of acupuncture will increase with the frequency and timing of treatment. Clustering treatments in the first few weeks allows for better results and significant symptom relief. As symptoms begin to change and correct treatment is spaced out. Once treatment goals are met, treatment is less frequent and utilized for tune-ups, wellness care, and maintaining health.
Acupuncture needle insertion: Does it hurt?
You will not experience pain with acupuncture. You may experience warmth, heaviness, tingling, or other sensations in and around the needle site.
How many needles are used during a session?
The number of needles depends on what is being treated. Generally speaking, we use 10-15 needles per treatment. Less is actually more and often creates better results. We strive for less.
Where do you place the needles?
Most of the points we use are from elbow to fingers, knee to toes, back or belly, occasional head and chest, upper neck, and ear locations. The depth of the needle is generally associated with the amount of tissue in that area. For example, shallow in the hand or chest area, and a bit deeper in the thigh or lower belly area.
Is there any bleeding or risk of infection?
There is generally no bleeding associated with acupuncture. From time to time some points may seep a little blood after removal, on sites like the ear. Unlike a hypodermic needle (used for injections and to draw blood), acupuncture needles don’t cut you. They are sterilized, prepacked, used once, and disposed of so there is no risk of infection.