At the beginning of your first acupuncture session you will be asked to fill out several legal forms and a health questionnaire which helps differentiate not only your main health concern but also your general health state. You also may be verbally asked additional questions at the beginning and during your treatment.
When many people first hear of acupuncture they envision giant painful hypodermic needles. The reality is far different. Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the width of a human hair. The needles are inserted quickly and virtually painlessly. At worst about once every twenty times a needle is inserted it hits a nerve ending or hair follicle causing a sensation similar to an ant bite. Most people receive treatments without experiencing any pain. When a needle is properly placed you may feel a sensation known as De Qi. This sensation is described differently depending on each unique patient but is normally felt as either an itch, throbbing, or pressure.
Acupuncture is a very relaxing experience. It is very common for patients to fall asleep during the treatments. While lying prone or supine the needles will be inserted a shallow depth into specific acupuncture points on the head, trunk, abdomen and four limbs. Your acupuncturist has received extensive training and practice on inserting the needles safely. They are retained in the body for up to 45 minutes and removed. If needed, a mild electrical current may be run between two needles, increasing the calming and pain-releasing effect.
Asian bodywork therapy, known as Tui Na, could be included in your treatment if necessary. Tui Na is very useful to relieve muscles in spasm and restore range-of-motion. For certain disease patterns Chinese medical herbal preparations are very helpful and may be prescribed.
The entire treatment should last close to one hour. After the hour is over, chances are you’ll feel like a million bucks and won’t mind paying your acupuncturist on your way out the door!