Does acupuncture hurt?
If you have anxiety or are afraid of needles, you are not alone. Generally speaking, people do not like the idea of needles. Most of our experience with needles has been with the hypodermic variety--injections, IVs, blood draws, etc. Hypodermic needles are thick and hollow and usually cause some pain. Acupuncture needles are considerably thinner. They are about the size of a horse hair or cat whisker. You will not usually feel the needle pierce the skin and if you do, it is generally described as a light mosquito bite and the duration is for a split second or two. Acupuncture needles are sterile and used one-time only and disposed of. Therefore, there is very little risk of infection.
How many treatments will I need?
It is recommended to at least try two treatments within a week of each other when starting a treatment protocol. It is possible that you will not need more than a few visits, but it is more common that a series of treatments will be required to resolve a condition. The severity and duration of the condition, your general over all health and response to these first two treatments will help the practitioner determine how many treatments you need and how frequently you will need them.
What are the most common side effects?
Compared to pharmaceuticals, there are virtually no side effects. It is possible and common to feel a little light headed after acupuncture. It is very common to feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and dreamy post treatment. To minimize light-headedness and sleepiness post treatment, be sure to eat well at least an hour before treatment and drink plenty of water. If you are run down and frequently fatigued, you will likely feel a bit tired post treatment, but this will change over the course of treatments.
Sometimes, pain can increase after treatment before it fades or dissipates. This is not true for everyone or every condition and usually does not last for more than a couple days.
Bruising is a common, but mild. The exception is for people on blood thinners or who may have some clotting or bleeding issues. Just let us know if you are prone to bruising.
Sometimes, pain can increase after treatment before it fades or dissipates. This is not true for everyone or every condition and usually does not last for more than a couple days.
Bruising is a common, but mild. The exception is for people on blood thinners or who may have some clotting or bleeding issues. Just let us know if you are prone to bruising.
Can I get acupuncture in conjunction with chiropractic treatments, massage or physical therapy?
Yes! These modalities can work very well together. Talk to your acupuncturist about how to schedule your treatments to get the best results.
Do you treat children and teens?
Yes! Children tend to respond more quickly than adults and will likely need fewer and less frequent treatments. You may think that kids will not be able to sit still long enough or that the idea of needles will put them in a state of panic. We offer non-needle modalities that are very effective and do not require long periods of stillness. Needle treatments or "taps" are only added when the child is ready.
Teens benefit in many ways from treatments. It's stressful being a teenager. Acupuncture can help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues, as well as treat hormonal imbalances, painful, irregular periods, acne, allergies, asthma, and physical pain and injuries.
Teens benefit in many ways from treatments. It's stressful being a teenager. Acupuncture can help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues, as well as treat hormonal imbalances, painful, irregular periods, acne, allergies, asthma, and physical pain and injuries.
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