Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses thin, sterile, single-use needles placed at chosen points on the body. Your acupuncturist picks the points after listening to you, then explains them before any needle goes in.
People of many ages come in, often with a stiff back, a sore shoulder or a knee that has not forgotten an old injury. Some come because a doctor or a friend suggested it, and some because their plan has an acupuncture benefit.
A visit can include
A talk about your health and your week
Needles at a handful of points, left in for 20 to 30 minutes
A rest on a padded table, with check-ins
A plan for the next few visits
What a visit is like, in order
Afterward you may feel relaxed, sleepy or lightly sore. A small bruise can show up at a needle site.
- 01
Step 1: We talk
Your acupuncturist asks about your health, your medicines and what you hope for, and looks at your tongue and pulse.
- 02
Step 2: You get comfortable
You lie on a padded table, clothed or draped. Loose clothing that rolls up past the knee and the elbow is enough.
- 03
Step 3: The needles go in
Needles are placed at a few points and left in for about 20 to 30 minutes. Say so right away if anything is uncomfortable.
- 04
Step 4: You rest
The room is quiet, and your acupuncturist checks in. When it is over we take the needles out and talk about next steps.
Tell us first
Say any of these when you book, and again at the visit.
Pregnancy
If you are or might be pregnant, some points are avoided, and your acupuncturist explains the risks.
Blood thinners or bleeding
If you take a blood thinner or bleed easily, bruising is more likely, and we plan around it.
A pacemaker or implant
Some visits use a small electrical pulse on the needles, which is not suitable with a pacemaker.
Lymph nodes removed
If you have had lymph nodes removed, we avoid needles on that side.
Bleeding disorders
Tell us about any condition that affects clotting. We may skip some methods or choose fewer needles.
Worry about needles
Say so. We can start with other methods or go very slowly, and you can stop at any point.
How many visits, and what this does not do
Your acupuncturist suggests a plan after the first visit and looks at it again as you go. It depends on your goals and how you respond, and you can stop whenever you like.
What it does not do
Acupuncture does not replace your doctor's care, and we do not prescribe medicine or ask you to stop yours. We do not promise a result: people respond differently.
When to see a doctor instead
See your doctor or an urgent care clinic first for chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, a sudden severe headache, or a fever with a stiff neck. In an emergency, call 911.