How long is the visit?
Usually the first visit is the longest in order to allow for a complete
history taking and exam - typically an hour. Follow-up visits are shorter,
usually 15 to 45 minutes, depending on practitioner and patient needs.
Sometimes other therapies, such as moxabustion, acupressure/massage and
exercises are incorporated with the acupuncture treatment.
Don't the needles hurt?
Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually
painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair. The sensations that
follow range from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight
numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site
of insertion. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are
removed. The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller that the
standard hypodermic needle, do not draw blood and are solid, not hollow.
What is treatment like?
Most patients would say, "relaxing." Usually patients leave in less
discomfort and are more functional than when they walked in. Sometimes the
effects are too subtle to perceive, especially in the beginning of
treatment. Yet after 5 to 10 treatments the improvements become more and
more apparent.
Is it safe?
If performed by a qualified, conscientious practitioner, yes. Licensed
Acupuncturists know the human anatomy well, and insert needles in a safe
fashion. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are either
pre-sterilized and disposable after a single use, or disinfected and
sterilized in an autoclave, as surgical and dental instruments are, after
each use.
The practitioner is well aware of the concern over infectious diseases, and
takes every measure to insure cleanliness as all health care professional
do.
Bleeding rarely occurs, unless done so on purpose in specific situations.
Even then the amount is minimal and in no way dangerous.
What services can a practitioner of Oriental
Medicine/Acupuncture provide?
Acupuncture, Acupressure/Massage, Therapeutic Exercises, Herbal Medicine,
Diet therapy, Breathing Exercises, Referrals, Oriental Medical Diagnosis.