Acupuncture is putting extremely thin needles into the skin at strategic points in the body. It traces its roots back to ancient China and is practiced across the world today. A lot of people dismiss acupuncture, but others say it works.
“The benefits of acupuncture are sometimes difficult to measure, but many people find it helpful as a means to control a variety of painful conditions,” says The Mayo Clinic. “Since acupuncture has few side effects, it may be worth a try if you're having trouble controlling pain with more-conventional methods.”
The same article says acupuncture does not work for everyone. Will it work for you? The only way to know is to try it out. Here are some common questions and answers about this process.
Does it hurt?
Englewood Hospital says, “Acupuncture needles are not anything like hypodermic needles used to administer medications in Western Medicine…People experience acupuncture needles differently and most patients feel only a minimal sensation as the needles are inserted. Some people feel no pain at all and others feel as short quick sensation upon insertion. Once the needles are in place, people may feel anything from nothing to a heaviness or lightness feeling.”
How many needles are used?
That depends on your treatment. Most start with three needles and add more depending on what kind of relief you are looking for.
Is it safe?
As The Mayo Clinic and Englewood Hospital say, yes, it is safe.
How long does it take?
Your first session with us is 90 minutes. After that, it takes an hour for each session. We need that extra 30 minutes in the first session to review your medical history, discuss the process and answer any questions you may have. We want you to be certain this is something you want to do.
How often do I need to have it done?
That depends on you. “A great deal depends on where you are and what you are trying to deal with… In some cases, a practitioner might see someone twice or even three times in a week if there are acute problems to address. It is not unusual with acute back sprains to see someone more than once weekly. This is more a matter of reinforcing the treatment regularly to make sure that it ‘holds,’” says the British Acupuncture Council.
Need to know more about acupuncture? We’ll be happy to answer your questions. Here is some additional information and how to book an appointment with us.
“The benefits of acupuncture are sometimes difficult to measure, but many people find it helpful as a means to control a variety of painful conditions,” says The Mayo Clinic. “Since acupuncture has few side effects, it may be worth a try if you're having trouble controlling pain with more-conventional methods.”
The same article says acupuncture does not work for everyone. Will it work for you? The only way to know is to try it out. Here are some common questions and answers about this process.
Does it hurt?
Englewood Hospital says, “Acupuncture needles are not anything like hypodermic needles used to administer medications in Western Medicine…People experience acupuncture needles differently and most patients feel only a minimal sensation as the needles are inserted. Some people feel no pain at all and others feel as short quick sensation upon insertion. Once the needles are in place, people may feel anything from nothing to a heaviness or lightness feeling.”
How many needles are used?
That depends on your treatment. Most start with three needles and add more depending on what kind of relief you are looking for.
Is it safe?
As The Mayo Clinic and Englewood Hospital say, yes, it is safe.
How long does it take?
Your first session with us is 90 minutes. After that, it takes an hour for each session. We need that extra 30 minutes in the first session to review your medical history, discuss the process and answer any questions you may have. We want you to be certain this is something you want to do.
How often do I need to have it done?
That depends on you. “A great deal depends on where you are and what you are trying to deal with… In some cases, a practitioner might see someone twice or even three times in a week if there are acute problems to address. It is not unusual with acute back sprains to see someone more than once weekly. This is more a matter of reinforcing the treatment regularly to make sure that it ‘holds,’” says the British Acupuncture Council.
Need to know more about acupuncture? We’ll be happy to answer your questions. Here is some additional information and how to book an appointment with us.