The Healing Point - Acupuncture

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New Acupuncture Patient's Q & A

We are pleased you chose to receive care from us. You may have questions about acupuncture and these paragraphs will hopefully answer some them.

What does the treatment consist of?

Anywhere between 6-15 surgical grade stainless steel pins are inserted shallowly into various points on the skin. Patients generally lie down for the procedure, which may last about 15-30 minutes. The entire treatment may last 45 minutes to an hour. We only use very thin, disposable needles and most treatments are painless.

Is Acupuncture safe?

We only use single-use disposable needles. This means that each sterile needle is used one time and then discarded.
We also use very thin (38 gauge) needles, which minimizes the impact on the body. Most insertions are quite shallow and are unnoticeable afterwards.

What should I expect from my first treatment?

This depends on the condition we are treating. Most people are pleasantly surprised that the treatment itself is comfortable. Acupuncture tends to relax people and often leads to a sense of well being and very restful sleep. Some people feel drowsy after treatment and others feel refreshed and invigorated.
Some people experience soreness after treatment. This is noted more commonly for those suffering from chronic pain. Heat tends to soothe any soreness and it is recommended to drink plenty of water to help the body cleanse. This soreness is often caused by lactic acid that is

How long until I get results?

Some people feel results quickly while others require several treatments before measurable results are attained. A more accurate prognosis can be made in person based on the individual circumstances of the case. For most acute (short term) problems, 4 treatments may be adequate. Many chronic conditions respond well to treatment but require longer term care.
Wear loose comfortable clothing. It is best to have eaten a few hours before treatment so that you are not hungry but not full either.

How does it work?

This is a very good question with two very good answers. The Western answer is that acupuncture stimulates nerves and helps the body achieve homeostasis. Acupuncture routinely improves circulation and reduces inflammation. Acupuncture also facilitates communication between various body systems (hormonal and neurological, for example) and reduces pain.
The other good answer is the ancient Chinese one that is based on the concept of "qi". Qi is energy (which we can sense as heat and movement). It is similar to electricity. Acupuncture balances and moves the qi, which allows the body to function optimally.

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