*At the Ottawa Acupuncture and TCM Wellness, we use only the disposable, one-time use needles*

 

Q: Does acupuncture hurt? 

A: It depends on the patient’s conditions and perceptions. Some people are more sensitive to pain or are afraid of needles and assume that acupuncture is painful. The needles used for acupuncture are solid and extremely thin, much thinner than those used for injections or blood drawing.

 

In general, an experienced acupuncturist aims to “de-qi” or to obtain the correct stimulus of the needle – meaning to reach the “Qi” from the targeted acupoint. This is important for the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. To “de-qi”, the patient should feel some sensations such as pressure, heaviness, distention, tingling, soreness, or electric shocks either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. None of those typical feelings could be described as painful.

 

Q: How deep do the needles go? 

A: This depends on the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient's size, age, and constitution. Generally, needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch deep.

 

Q: How long does each treatment last?

After the needles inserted, they need to be left in place for 20-30 minutes, sometimes longer, depending on the seasons and an individual’s conditions. To increase the effect, some needles can be manipulated by hand or electrical stimulation during the course of treatment.

 

Q: How many needles are needed for each treatment?

The number of needles required and the length of time needles left in body depend on the problem and the consultation with the acupuncturist.

 

Q: Are there different styles of acupuncture? 

A: Yes, there are. Patients should ask about their acupuncturists about their training backgrounds and experiences, as well as the process of the treatment and the alternatives before beginning treatment.

 

Q: How many treatments will patient need? 

A: The total number of treatments required depends on the conditions of the symptoms. For acute problems, only a few treatments will be required. For complex or chronic conditions, more treatments may be recommended. In very few cases, several sessions may be required before improvement is noticed. 

 

For example, with pain relief, most people will feel instant improvement right after the very first treatment, while patients seeking general health maintenance may need acupuncture treatment every 2-3 weeks.

 

Q: Is there anything I can do before or after acupuncture treatment? 

A:

1. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.

2. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before or afer treatment.

3. Drink warm herbal tea after the treatment.

4. Do not shower until 2 hours later.

 

Q: What can I expect after treatment?

A: You may notice a spot of blood or small bruise at one or more of the needle sites.  These are not harmful but you should talk to your doctor if you are concerned.

 

Patients often experience the most dramatic results after their first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better.

 

Q: Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?

A: 

1. Relax. Ask your doctor any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.

2. Do not change your position or move suddenly when the needles are in your body. If you are tired of one position or you feel uncomfortable about one position, tell your doctor.

3. In rare instances patients may experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This is often the result of nervousnous, especially for those receiving acupuncture treatment for the first time. Inform you doctor immediately, so the doctor can readjust or withdraw the needles. Also, let your doctor know if you feel an increasing amount of pain or burning sensation during the treatment.

4. If you find your treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to speak up so that your doctor can make the proper adjustments or stop the treatment.

 

Q: Does health insurance cover acupuncture treatments?  

A: Many health insurance policies cover acupuncture treatment done by a registered Acupuncturist and TCM practitioner. Check with your insurance company to make sure.