It is important to inform the practitioner about your medical history, medications, and if you are pregnant or could possibly be pregnant, as acupuncture treatment may have to be modified or may not be appropriate.

How big are the needles and does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients experience little or no pain as very fine, sterile, disposable needles are used. Acupuncture needles are so thin, you can actually fit around 40-50 acupuncture needles into the head of a needle typically used for injections and are often compared to the thickness of a strand of hair! They are designed to pass through the skin.

Patients often use words like this to describe the sensation: pressure, warmth and tingling, ” Sometimes they say, “this feels amazing. I am so relaxed!” Most people find the experience calming, and some even fall asleep during sessions.

Most patients experience little or no pain as very fine, sterile, disposable needles are used. Acupuncture needles are so thin, you can actually fit around 40-50 acupuncture needles into the head of a needle typically used for injections and are often compared to the thickness of a strand of hair! They are designed to pass through the skin.

Patients often use words like this to describe the sensation: pressure, warmth and tingling, ” Sometimes they say, “this feels amazing. I am so relaxed!” Most people find the experience calming, and some even fall asleep during sessions.

While dry needling is a form of acupuncture, there are still many differences. Dry needling is simply a style of needle manipulation using trigger points in muscles and is a one dimensional approach versus the approach a Licensed Acupuncturist employs which uses points on the hands and feet to balance intricate yin and yang relationships of the meridians and organs. Traditional acupuncture has been using trigger points as a source of pain relief for years. However, sometimes needling only the exact pain location can cause more pain.  Dry Needling Practitioners (PT’s, chiropractors, and even MD’s) have less training than a Licensed Acupuncturist and often will use large manipulation techniques with the needles, which can cause discomfort to the patient resulting in  a more painful experience.

If you have not eaten for more than six hours before your appointment, eat a light meal at least 30 minutes  prior to treatment. Hydrate before your treatment. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, food or drinks that color your tongue (such as coffee) 30 minutes before your treatment. Avoid Vigorous exercise or sexual activity within the hour before treatment

Please also avoid the use of perfumes, colognes or strongly scented cosmetics. You should continue to take any prescribed medications on schedule.

Strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least two hours after treatment.

A good feeling after acupuncture should not be mistaken for full recovery. Be sure that you have regained your strength and stamina before “overdoing it” or engaging in any activities that you were unable to perform before your acupuncture treatments.