How does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture points are specific areas on the body just beyond the surface of the skin. They have high concentrations of nerve endings, mast cells, lymphatic vessels, and capillaries. When an acupuncture needle is inserted into an acupuncture point, it stimulates the sensory receptor, which in turn stimulates the nerve, which then transmits impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system.

This complex system of interactions (often called a “feedback loop”) between the brain, hormones, and glands is responsible for regulating a number of bodily processes.

Because acupuncture helps to regulate the various feedback loops in your body, it actually allows your body to heal itself of whatever is out of balance. This amazing trait is unique to nearly every other medical system, and has sustained acupuncture as a complete system of medicine for over 3,000 years.

What does acupuncture feel like? 

First time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like the injections at the doctor's office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair thin, flexible needles that you will either hardly feel or feel a slight pinch or pressure when being inserted.  When the needles are gently stimulated it will produce a unique sensation that oriental medicine calls de qi.  Patients describe this sensation as heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling.  You may also feel an electrical sensation moving up, down or both along the meridian pathways.  Most patients find these sensations satisfying and intriguing.  Most importantly, patients leave feeling deeply relaxed mentally and physically. 

Acupuncture treatment promotes deep relaxation
in both mind and body.

How many treatments are recommended?

Yes, I know we would all love that one miraculous treatment but that only happens maybe 1 out of 50 patients. Benefits of acupuncture are gained cumulatively, so more than 1 treatment is highly recommended. generally, for acute conditions depending on severity at least 5-6 treatments are needed, 1-2 times a week in the 1st couple weeks.  However, you may begin to feel relief after first few treatments.  Once symptoms decrease or goes away sessions can be tapered down to once a week to once bi-weekly to at least once a month for tune up sessions.   

Chronic conditions may take longer to respond.  Depending on the issue, severity, and duration of the condition, at least 10 or more sessions will be needed.  Treatments for prevention and for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as needed basis.  

This is not magic and most of the time our ailments accumulated over a long period of time and even though you may feel better immediately, you have to give your body a chance for healing to take time as well.  If you allow yourself and we commit to working together, you will be amazed at the healing you will achieve.  This is not about treating the disease.  This is about treating YOU and your well-being. 

How often should you schedule appointments in order to get the most out of your treatments?

Since acupuncture works cumulatively, it is essential to get treatments close to each other at first because each treatment gains momentum on the last.  In the first 2 weeks I recommend 1-2 sessions per week, then tapering off as the weeks go by.  If treatments are too far apart, we can lose momentum and erase the progress.  Since each treatment builds on the last, I expect you to feel slowly yet progressively better with each treatment.  It is also important to schedule a session immediately if you ever start to feel yourself “backsliding,” and your next scheduled appointment isn't for a couple of days or longer.

For facial cosmetic acupuncture it is best recommended and a standard protocol to get treatments twice a week for 5 weeks, so 10 treatments to keep the momentum of the progress. 

First visit

Before your first visit I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form on my website link so that we can take more time in treatment rather than taking up time in office filling out this form.  This form will ask about your current state of health, past illnesses, family history, and etc.  These are important questions since the holistic methods of oriental medicine takes everything into account.  Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens leaves its mark. 

After reviewing your intake form, we will discuss your condition and I will examine your pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of oriental medicine.  Acupuncture points will be chosen based on your condition.  Once the needles are inserted in place, I will leave you to lie comfortably for about 30 minutes.  many people feel deeply relaxed and it is very common to fall asleep during this time.  

What to wear

Dressing in loose comfortable clothing is always best for treatments, as it provides easy access to your knees and elbows, and it provides you an even greater chance for complete relaxation. Feel free to wear pajamas to your treatment, if That's what you feel comfortable in, really! If you are unable to wear loose clothing, sheets and blankets are always available to cover up, should you need to remove constricting clothing for your treatment.  

What to expect during & after treatment?

Side effects of acupuncture are infrequent, but they can occur. They also tend to be very mild when (and if) they do occur. The most common side effects are explained below.

 Fatigue

While most people notice a marked improvement in their symptoms following acupuncture, some feel worse before they start feeling better. This is sometimes referred to as a “healing crisis.” Because acupuncture works to get you “unstuck,” dormant physical issues can get stirred up in the process. As these issues are brought to our awareness, we are able to address them in the clinic so they can be handled and healed appropriately.

It is also very possible to feel wiped out after acupuncture.  Acupuncture is powerful, and when things are moving..... your body gets tired. This is never a cause for concern, and the best thing to do is re-fuel with nourishing snacks, fresh water, and relaxation time.

Soreness

Body parts where acupuncture needles get inserted can feel sore after needles are removed. You also may experience muscle soreness away from the needling site if a trigger point was released during your treatment.

Soreness from acupuncture typically dissipates within 24 hours. However, big trigger point releases can cause residual soreness that lasts a few days.

 Bruising

Mild spot bleeding can occur at the needle site. As well as bruising can occur that usually last slightly longer than soreness from an acupuncture needle. It’s infrequent but it’s inevitable as it is somewhat invasive since we are dealing with needles being inserted into the tissue. Especially with cosmetic facial acupuncture as many more tiny vessels lie in the facial region. However, this also causes new tissues, collagen and healing to occur. They are generally not anything to worry about beyond the aesthetic inconvenience for few days.

 Emotional Release

It is very possible to cry during or after acupuncture.  Along with the physical parts of you becoming “unstuck,” emotions become free-flowing as well.  The emotional release that can happen in acupuncture is often unexpected, but it is generally a very positive experience.

Feeling emotional during or after a treatment is a sign that the acupuncture is working in the emotional/mental department.  Even if you’re seeking acupuncture for a physical ailment, increased emotional expression is an indication that healing is happening.  From an acupuncture perspective, physical and emotional health are interconnected, so emotional shifts suggest positive physical changes as well.

While these side effects are rarely a cause for concern, you know your body best. If any of these side effects feel like they’re too uncomfortable, please let me know.