Acupuncture FAQ

What do the needles do?

Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points of the body in order to bring about change in our physical or emotional state. Over thousands of years, the practice of acupuncture has been refined and studied so that today, an acupuncturist can listen to your symptoms, take your pulse, look at your tongue, come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan, and insert needles in specific places in order to make those changes in your body. It's all about bringing you back into balance.

Does it hurt?

It can, but it usually doesn't. It depends on several factors. The pain happens when a certain level of stagnation is present in the body. The needles move energy. Sometimes when the energy is moved abruptly there is a momentary sensation of pain, but this usually does not last. The cumulative effect of acupuncture is a relaxed, happy state.

Are the needles safe?

In California, all licensed acupuncturists must use disposable needles. These single-use needles are sold in boxes containing individually wrapped, sterilized needles. After use, the acupuncturist places the used needle in a Sharps container (a plastic protected biohazard box), that is sealed and sent back to a biohazard company for safe disposal when full. Therefore, no disease can be spread through the use of acupuncture needles.

 Each acupuncture point has a prescribed depth and angle of insertion. These restrictions exist to protect the patient from any accidental damage or problem.

Each acupuncture needle is approximately 1/20 the circumference of an inoculation needle used by nurses and doctors of western medicine. Many patients report feeling absolutely no sensation when the needles are inserted or removed.

What side effects will I have?

Most people feel great, both during and after acupuncture. However, there are a few things to remember:

1. It's best to eat before you come. Receiving acupuncture on an empty stomach can cause you to feel lightheaded.

2. Acupuncture is not advised on the first day of the menstrual period.

3. If you suffer from PMS, you might want to schedule a treatment a week ahead of your monthly period. Scheduling a treatment right before your treatment might bring your period on early.

4. If you think you might be pregnant, please let me know before the treatment.

5. It is important to lie still during an acupuncture treatment. Moving around can cause muscle spasms that can be uncomfortable.

6. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, let me know.

What is a treatment like?

After listening to your symptoms, looking at your tongue and taking your pulse, I will insert acupuncture needles in various places (your arms, legs, trunk, or face). As you lie still for the next 15-25 minutes, you might feel completely relaxed. Some people report feeling like they're buzzing and that they feel the energy moving through them. Others report feeling nothing, but afterwards feel energized and happy.

How do I know if an acupuncturist is qualified?

There are more licensed acupuncturists in California than in any other state in the United States. Only licensed practitioners may practice in California. Licensed practitioners designate their status by placing the initials “L.Ac.”—which stands for “licensed acupuncturist—after their names. Acupuncturists must attend an accredited school of Traditional Oriental Medicine, which includes extensive herbal medicine, acupuncture points and treatment plans, as well as Western Medicine studies, for 4-5 years. Included in their coursework are upwards of 5,000 clinic hours, in which students practice on real patients under the supervision of licensed acupuncturists. After graduation, the prospective acupuncturist may sit for the California licensing exam, required for legal practice in California, a four-hour, rigorous exam that tests knowledge of Chinese Internal Medicine, Western Medicine (anatomy, physiology, western clinical medicine), Chinese medical theory, and point locations. The prospective licensee must demonstrate their mastery of Chinese herbal knowledge, including individual herbs, their properties and the channels they affect, as well as Chinese herbal formulas, their ingredients, dosages, and specific indications. In addition, each licensee must demonstrate their mastery over Clean Needle Technique, the approved method of using needles only once and disposing of them correctly.

I have a really bad fear of needles. What should I do?

Acupuncture isn't for everyone. Some people have strong fears and phobias about needles. If you feel completely uncomfortable about needles, you can always do acupressure. Other modalities that don't involve needles are NAET and BodyTalk. You are invited to explore them and do what feels right for you.