How long does an acupuncture visit take?
Your first treatment is about an hour and a half. It involves an initial consultation, in which a diagnosis is made and we determine which treatments are right for you, and generally your first acupuncture treatment. Follow-up visits consist of a much shorter intake/diagnosis period before treatment, and generally last for a total of 1 hour.

Do the acupuncture needles hurt?
Most people are surprised and relieved to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin, unlike hypodermic needles which are thick and hollow. The diameter of an acupuncture needle is close to a strand of hair in your head. At least 10 acupuncture needles can fit inside the hole in the center of a hypodermic needle. Often the insertion of an acupuncture needle is not felt, occasionally it is barely perceptible. The needles are usually inserted one to several millimeters in depth. Patients generally do not feel the painful piercing or pricking sensation typically associated with an injection, blood sample, or other medical needle procedure. The acupuncture needles are sterile, single use and disposed of in a sharps container just like a hypodermic needle.

What does the acupuncture treatment involve?
Full attention will be given to help you relax and receive the most value from the treatment. After an initial interview your pulses are felt, your tongue is looked at and sometimes (usually in the case of pain complaints) a body analysis is done. Then a treatment plan is discussed and, if appropriate, acupuncture begins. When each needle is inserted, you may feel nothing, or sometimes a vague numbness, heaviness, lightness, warmth, cool sensation, dull ache or slight tingling. The treatment is effective whether or not these feelings are sensed. The needles will be left in for approximately 20-30 minutes while you relax with soothing music in a comfortable room. After the treatment, you may experience a relaxing euphoric feeling.

How should I prepare for my Acupuncture treatment?
Patients should arrive neither hungry nor full. If you have skipped a meal please have a small snack beforehand. You should wear comfortable clothes. Also, plan to refrain from rigorous physical activity for at least two hours before and after treatment.