Healthy human body constantly maintains its balance by free flow of Qi (enery). When this free flow is disrupted somewhere in the body, symptoms appear in the form of pain or ailment. Acupuncture involves stimulating key points of the body to restore this flow of Qi. This involves inserting of hair-thin needles at selected points called acupoints. The needles are manipulated by hand or sometimes by electrical stimulation. By stimulating these acupoints, acupuncture promotes self-healing.

Acupuncturists use hair-like thin stainless steel single-use disposable needles. You may feel some sensation but it shouldn’t hurt. If it does, let your acupuncturist know right away so the needles can be adjusted.

Is it worth getting stuck with needles to feel better? According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), numerous studies suggest that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain and alleviating symptoms.

When acupuncture is done correctly by a licensed practitioner, the risks are low. According to the NIH, few complications from acupuncture have been reported, but when they are, they usually come from non-licensed acupuncturists using non-sterile needles and delivering treatments improperly. The NIH says these rare but serious adverse effects include infections, punctured organs, collapsed lungs and damage to the central nervous system .

Results may vary depending on the severity of the symptom. Some patients may feel dramatic improvement after a single treatment. But, in general, 5 to 6 treatments are needed to feel  the  benefit  of the treatment.

A  common  treatment  plan for  a  single  complaint  would  typically  involve  one  or  two treatments a week . The number  of treatments  will  depend  on the  condition  being treated and its severity.  In general,  it’s common  to receive six to eight treatments.

You should wear loose, comfortable clothing. The most commonly used acupuncture points are on the lower legs and lower arms, back, and abdomen, so pants with legs loose enough to roll up to the knee are helpful.

Empty stomach is not good. Full stomach is no good either. East lightly 2-3 hours before the visit.