Do the needles hurt?

Do I bleed?

What can acupuncture treat?

How long is a treatment?

Are the needles clean?

Do the needles hurt?
No. Acupuncture needles are very small in comparison to needles used to draw blood.  There are two sensations associated with the needle.  Sometimes you might feel a very small pinch from the insertion.  More importantly you will often experience a feeling known as a “qi sensation” or an energy sensation as the needle interacts with your body’s energy.  This feeling has been discribed as heavy, deep, pulsing, itchy and strange.  Sometimes it is indescribable.

Do I bleed?
Rarely.  The needles, unlike needles used to draw blood, do not go into blood vessels and therefore, bleeding is not common.  If there is a small drop of blood it is generally considered a release of a blockage by the body.

What can acupuncture treat?
So many different things can be treated by TCM, it really depends on the individual situation.  It is important to remember that TCM is also a preventative medicine.

How long is a treatment?

After you explain how you feel and describe your signs and symptoms, a few minutes are spent taking your pulse and looking at your tongue.  Then the needles are put in place and generally retained for about a half hour.  The entire process takes about one hour.

Are the needles clean?

Yes. Only disposable needles are used.  Each needle is packaged separately in a sterilized plastic casing, opened, and used at the time of the treatment.