A few weeks ago, I asked for your most pressing acupuncture questions. I’ve compiled the most common questions and I noticed one distinct trend—there are a lot of questions about the needles. Some of you must be nervous about getting needled!
If these acupuncture answers don’t put your fears to rest, call me for more information. Acupuncture brings good health, relaxation and vitality. I don’t want fear to stop you from getting treatment.
Do acupuncture needles hurt?
This question is always a little tricky because it depends on what you mean by “hurt.”
Acupuncture needles do not feel like getting a shot. Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are thin, tiny and flexible. They are not inserted deeply.
However, you might feel something. Sometimes you may feel a prick—like getting a mosquito bite. You may feel tingling or fullness when I adjust the needles. But in most cases, you’ll forget about the needles as you rest on the table.
Are there any side-effects from acupuncture?
There are rarely side-effects from acupuncture. Sometimes there may be bruising or soreness, especially if you have a cupping or Gua Sha. Or you may feel light-headed or ungrounded after a session. Occasionally there is an emotional release.
When people complain of worsening symptoms or fatigue from acupuncture, often it is actually a sign of healing. If your Qi has been blocked, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms as it resumes flowing. To understand this, imagine a garden hose with a kink in it. The kink stops the water from flowing; when you straighten it out, the water bursts out of the hose before it begins flowing normally again. Qi behaves the same way.
If you notice your symptoms getting worse after a treatment, contact me. I can suggest ways to reduce your discomfort and speed your healing.
Can you treat young kids?
Acupuncture is effective for all ages, all stages of life, from babies to the elderly. I welcome kids and have found some kids respond even more quickly to treatment than adults.
Does acupuncture help ______________?
I get all sorts of questions about what acupuncture can help.
Instead of answering each question individually, I’ll share a list of the types of conditions it helps. If you don’t see your condition answered here, call me. This list is not comprehensive.
- Abdominal pain
- Addictions
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Cancer pain
- Chronic gastritis
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Menstrual issues
- Earache
- Infertility
- Fibromyalgia
- Headache
- Herpes
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Knee pain
- Low back pain
- Morning sickness
- Nausea & vomiting
- Neck pain
- Obesity
- Post-operative pain
- Pregnancy issues
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Sciatica
- Sore throat
- Sprains
- Stress
- Strokes
- TMJ
- Tennis elbow
