Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture
We're often asked what acupuncture is like. Here are some frequently asked questions about acupuncture. If you have any questions not answered here, please send us a message!
What will the first session be like?
For the first session, I recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early to complete paperwork and get settled. Please bring a list of any medications and supplements you take, and wear loose, comfortable clothing for your session.
Whoever you see, Paul or Miranda, will take you to the treatment room and discuss your health and what you want to work on. You will then lie fully clothed on the table. We might use an infrared heating lamp on your feet to keep you warm throughout the session. We will discuss what comes up during the session and ask any questions for clarification.
We will place the needles, usually in your hands, feet, arms, and legs; we will make sure you're comfortable, then step out of the room for a few minutes. Usually not longer than 15 minutes. We will then remove those points, turn you over, place the points on the back of your body, and leave the room again, usually for no more than 15 minutes. This time gives you an opportunity to relax, let your mind wander, check out, or even take a little nap.
When your session ends, we'll return to the room, remove the points, and discuss any homework that came up during the session. Often we have nutrition suggestions and supplement recommendations. Most of our food and supplement recommendations are available at the grocery store.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
This is the most common question that most acupuncturists get, and the answer is always the same: it depends.
Often, the points don't hurt, and most people feel only a slight sensation. Occasionally, on insertion, you may feel a "spicy" sensation, but it's usually mild and goes away quickly. Once the points are in, there should be no pain, but people often report sensations like tingling, vibration, or heaviness, all of which are completely normal. We want you to be totally comfortable during your session, so please speak up if anything is uncomfortable at any point.
What if I'm afraid of needles?
I love working with people who are hesitant to try acupuncture because of this reason! Needles can be scary and, based on past experiences, very painful! I get it, and I understand! I had to work through a needle phobia myself - while I was in acupuncture school too!
The needles are far scarier in our heads than they actually are in real life. Some people want all the details, and in this case we will talk about what they look like, how they feel, how and where they're used, and what you might feel when they are placed. For others, they don't want to know anything about them, see them, or touch them ahead of time. It's all ok and perfect!
Once the needles are placed, 99% of people say, "Oh! That wasn't so bad!" or "Wow! I didn't even feel it!" Then they take a deep breath and relax for the remainder of their session.
I've worked with plenty of people who now frequently use and love acupuncture who were once like you! (And a few of them are still scared, and they come anyway because they know it works!)
Do I need to prepare for getting Acupuncture?
Before your acupuncture session, eat a healthy meal or snack, especially if this is your first time. Some people can feel faint during or after a session, and eating beforehand is the best way to prevent this from happening or lessen. Drinking plenty of water before and after your session is also very beneficial.
You will be resting on the treatment table for a short time, so it's best to avoid foods and drinks that can make you antsy, like coffee and energy drinks, so you can relax and stay comfortable during the session.
What should I wear?
People rarely need to fully undress for acupuncture. Please wear or bring comfortable clothing that you can roll up to the elbows and knees or easily move aside. Loungewear or pajamas are often ideal!
How will I feel after a session?
Most people report feeling very relaxed after a session, and the most immediate effect you might experience is sleeping better that night than you have in a long while. These sessions are resetting your body's system, and a good night's sleep is your body's way of processing and integrating the new information from the treatment.
Do you have experience treating my health issue?
Miranda and Paul have treated patients for over 10 years, so we've seen almost everything! We really enjoy working with people considered complicated or difficult cases that no one else has figured out yet.
Some of the things we've treated just this week are Long Haul COVID, frozen shoulder, recurrent UTI's, knee pain, ADHD, insomnia, overactive bladder, sinus pressure, shingles, quitting smoking, and Bell's palsy.
Please reach out if you'd like to discuss your health concerns and how we can help.
How many sessions will I need?
This answer varies from person to person. The quick answer is that we ask your body what it needs and go from there. Because illness is usually progressive and we often have a lifetime of patterns to address, acupuncture and BodyTalk are not a 'one and done' treatment. I recommend committing to at least a 3-session series so we can address the foundational changes that are often needed to take place before we can address the main complaint you are coming in for, and in the beginning, it's very common for the first few treatments to be close together and then space out after we start getting things addressed.
If you have any more questions or concerns not addressed here, please don't hesitate to contact us. We always have time for you!
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