Acupuncture FAQs

• What is acupuncture?

  • How does it work?

• How should I prepare for an acupuncture session?

• What makes a good/bad candidate for acupuncture? What are the benefits?

  • How long will it take to see results?

• Is it safe? Does it hurt?

• Can my child receive acupuncture? (MINOR POLICY)

Have a different question? Check our other FAQs or email us!

Acupuncture is a medical therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in which sterile, single-use stainless steel needles are inserted at points of the body that correspond to neurovascular, myofascial, and connective tissue structures. Stimulating these points influences nervous system regulation.

The TCM view believes that acupuncture rebalances the flow of “qi” or vital/life energy, through pathways called meridians. From a scientific viewpoint, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, which triggers the release of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins, as well as affect neurotransmitters, which are the body’s messengers responsible for regulating almost all bodily functions. Some TCM principles and their biomedical correlations are listed below.

Qi/Meridians - Connective tissue planes, fascial signaling, neurovascular bundles
De Qi sensation - Activation of A-delta and C-fiber pathways
Tonifying/Reducing - Up-regulation vs. down-regulation of autonomic and inflammatory responses
Harmonizing/Clearing - Normalization of dysregulated homeostatic systems

At minimum, consume an electrolyte-rich beverage, but it’s highly recommended to eat a meal or snack before your session.
Wearing loose-fitting clothing that can roll up to the knees and elbows comfortably is preferred.
Don’t scrape or brush your tongue. Part of the diagnosing process requires observation of your tongue’s coating quality. (It is ok to consume colored beverages like coffee before your session)

Acupuncture is suited for almost everyone, but some conditions might require modifications or special care. Individuals with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners, those with a pacemaker, people with metal allergies, or people who are pregnant should consult their healthcare provider. You should also notify your acupuncturist before treatment if any of the following conditions apply: inserted medical devices like pacemakers, metal joint replacements, epilepsy, pregnancy, cancer treatment, upcoming or recent surgery, or areas to avoid (lymphedema, chemotherapy ports, etc).

The benefits of acupuncture treatment are many, but the areas with the strongest clinical evidence include:

• Acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain

• Stress, anxiety, and sleep regulation

• Headaches and migraines

• Neuropathic symptoms

• Post-stroke and post-surgical recovery

• Gastrointestinal dysfunction

• Women’s health and hormonal support

Results are dependent on the condition, severity, and regularity of the symptoms/dysfunction being treated. A basic timeline is listed below, but individual results will vary.

Acute pain/injury - Noticeable improvement in as little as 1-3 sessions, with some noting pain relief after the first session
Chronic pain - Functional improvement in 5-10 weeks, with some noting pain relief after the first session
Systemic/Autoimmune - Gradual results, can be as little as a few weeks to months
Stress/Sleep - Very quick, can be as little as 1-3 sessions, cumulative with consistent care.

Our licensed acupuncturists use sterile, single-use, extremely fine needles. Most patients describe the needles as painless or minimally noticeable. When a point is therapeutically active, you may feel a dull ache, twitching, or a sensation of warmth/heaviness at the insertion site. These symptoms indicate the activation of the targeted neurophysiological pathways of the body. Minor side effects are uncommon and typically subside quickly, but include soreness or minor bleeding at the insertion site, drowsiness or fatigue, or a temporary increase in initial symptoms.

All clients under 18 years of age must have the written consent of a parent/guardian to be seen. Each provider has individual comfort levels of seeing minors, which are listed in their bio in our Our Team section.