Frequently asked questions

Do acupuncture needles hurt?

Acupuncture needles are hair-thin. They are so thin, you can fit 42 (yes, 42!) acupuncture needles inside the bore of a blood drawing needle. People are often surprised that they can hardly feel the needles, and most of the time they aren't felt at all. Sometimes when a needle is put into the hands or feet a prick is felt, but does not last long. Tingling or a dull heaviness are some of the common sensations felt during needling. If a needle is causing pain, let your acupuncturist know so they can adjust the needle.



What if I have anxiety about needles?

Communicate to your acupuncturist that you are having some anxiety (which is pretty common) because they want you to have a experience with acupuncture. There are several options available to help with any anxiety you might be feeling, this includes: smaller needles, certain needle brands that are designed to be as painless as possible, certain needling techniques your acupuncturist can do, using as few needles as possible, calming essential oils, and breathing exercises that can be done during the needling process.



What conditions does acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization (WHO) published an extensive list of diseases and conditions that were shown through controlled trials to improve with acupuncture. Some of those conditions include knee pain, back pain, neck pain, nausea and vomiting, allergic rhinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety, depression, stroke, headaches, migraines, infertility, insomnia, asthma, and more!



Is there anything I need to do before or after my treatment?

For in-depth information on what to expect at your treatment, go to the new patient information page on the menu bar. To sum it up: don't drink alcohol before or immediately after a treatment, don't do a strenuous work out within 2 hours of your treatment, don't come to your treatment on an empty stomach, and wear comfortable clothing that can be pulled up to your knees and elbows- otherwise a gown will be provided for you to change into.



How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments is relative to the condition being treated, whether it's acute or chronic, and the amount of time it takes the body to balance itself and heal. An acute condition such as a cold or a sprained low back will usually take 3 -6 treatments. More chronic conditions like IBS, Chrones, or migraines might take longer. The important thing to remember is the more frequent you get treatments, the faster you will see results. Ideally, you would get a treatment 1-2 times a week for the first few weeks. This will lead to longer lasting results, and patients often experience relief from symptoms more quickly. After we start seeing positive results treatments can be more spread out.



What are the benefits of acupuncture?

In addition to improving your reason for seeking care, acupuncute provides increased energy, improved sleep, enhanced mental clarity, and a reduction in stress. ​



Is acupuncture safe?

The risks of acupuncture are very low if you are receiving care from a licensed acupuncturist. A master's degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine is required to become licensed, which is 3-4 years of schooling with a strong emphasis in human anatomy and physiology. Make sure you know the licensure of the person treating you and the level of training they have received. Some medical professions are allowed to practice a limited scope of acupuncture under their specific professional license and a certification couse in acupuncture.