Have you always wanted to try acupuncture but are hesitant to dive in? I will answer the most common questions I receive about acupuncture treatments from new patients to help you take that first step!
This is a great question, because it is often way better than what people expect! The treatment itself is very comfortable, relaxing and stress relieving. Many patients nap during their treatments, some go into a state of meditation, and others experience waves of energy flowing through their bodies. You might feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world or totally chilled out after your session. The treatment effects will be exactly what your body needs.
Acupuncture should not be painful. The needles themselves are tiny, almost as thin as a strand of hair. It is nothing like getting a vaccine or blood drawn. You might not even feel them going in, and once they are, they are often imperceptible. Sometimes, on a more sensitive part of the body, you may feel a momentary pinch when a needle is placed, but this goes away almost immediately. My goal is to make your treatments as painless and relaxing as possible. Occasionally, you might feel a whirling, pulsing, or wavy sensation at location - this is the movement of qi, or life force energy!
Needles usually stay in for 30-40 minutes, then you might receive more acupuncture on your other side or other Traditional Chinese Medicine adjunctive therapies during your treatment. These may include herbal medicine, moxibustion (heat therapy), cupping orgua sha (fascia therapy), tui na (bodywork therapy), qi gong (movement therapy), or reiki (energy therapy).
Acupuncture and TCM can treat so many chronic and acute ailments and conditions -it’s impossible to list them all! Some of the major health concerns I treat in my clinic are chronic fatigue, chronic joint pain, digestive issues and gut health, allergies, hot flashes, menstrual cramps and irregular periods, prostate issues, low libido, headaches and migraines, insomnia and sleep disorders, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, anxiety, stress and depression.
Everyone responds differently to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Some people feel better immediately after their first session, while others may find relief a day or two later, or a few treatments later.
With any condition, time and consistency are the keys to improvement. Depending on the chronicity and severity of your symptoms, a typical course of treatment is usually once a week for 6-8 weeks, with the goal of spacing out treatments after that if desired.The effects of this medicine are cumulative and can help to rebalance your entire physical and energetic body.
Acupuncture is incredibly helpful for disease prevention as well as symptom management. Many of my patients continue to come in for monthly maintenance or wellness treatments when they feel ready to transition to a lighter acupuncture schedule.
I hope this blog post helped to answer some of your questions about acupuncture andwhat your experience might be like. I look forward to seeing you soon for a treatment!
Danielle Gaglini Hallowell, L.Ac., MAOM., Dipl.OM. is a New Hampshire licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who practices at the NH Health & Wellness Center inNashua, New Hampshire. To schedule a session or for more information, email danielle@acupuncturenewengland.com or call 978-272-2402
