Is acupuncture painful?

Some people may assume that acupuncture is very painful. That is a misunderstanding. The needles used for acupuncture are solid and hairline thin - much thinner than those used for injections and blood drawing. When the needles reach the acupoints, there is a sensation that could be described as tingling or numbness, rather than " painful ". Sometimes the sensation may transfer to other parts of body.

One of the advantages of acupuncture is that there are rarely any side effects. Only sterile needles are used for treatment. The needles are used only once and then are disposed of. Therefore, there is no risk of infection. WHO has stated:" Generally speaking, acupuncture treatment is safe if it is performed properly by well-trained practitioner. Unlike many drugs, it is non-toxic, and adverse reactions are minimal."

We can provide acupressure, cupping, moxibustion and quasha instead of needles. However, a longer treatment period usually is expected.

Tongue diagnosis is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. Please refrain from brushing your tongue before an appointment. - Bring a list of any medications/herbs/supplements that you are currently taking. - Wear loose-fitting clothes for assessment and treatment.

Occasionally, the original symptoms of your condition may worsen for first few days following your initial treatment, this is not uncommon. However, it is important for you to inform your practitioner of this reaction at your next visit. Appetite, sleep, bowel, or emotional patterns may also change. This should not be a cause for concern, a change in patterns are a sign that the treatment is working. The most common side effect is relaxation during and after your treatment.

The total number of treatments required depend upon the conditions of the symptoms. For acute conditions, 80% of the patients can see some improvement after 1-2 treatments. After 4-6 treatments, they will notice significant changes in their condition. For complex or prolonged conditions, more treatments may be a recommended. It usually takes 4-6 sessions to see improvements, and it may take 2-3 months for a chronic condition to be completely cured.

Feel free to ask your questions via email: [email protected]