What to Expect

During your initial consultation, you will discuss your comprehensive health history with your practitioner and discuss your reasons for seeking acupuncture. Your consultation will help your acupuncturist determine where to insert the needles to achieve the best results. After the initial consultation, you’ll lie down on the table as your acupuncturist inserts the needles in various points on your meridians. The lights will be dimmed with gentle music playing to help you relax. Your acupuncturist will check on you during the session to ensure that you’re comfortable. The needles will stay in for 20-30 minutes. Acupuncture and other modalities such as cupping, gua sha, and tui na may be included as deemed necessary. Herbal formulas may also be discussed. Your practitioner will provide you with a suggested care plan and answer any questions you may have about your treatment.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture should not be painful or feel sharp. While hypodermic needles are thick, rigid, and hollow, acupuncture needles are hair-thin and flexible. Some common sensations that you may experience during treatment are heaviness, mild soreness, numbness, tingling, itchiness, or the sensation of energy, blood, and oxygen moving through the body. These sensations are normal, but always alert your practitioner if you’re feeling any discomfort.

How to Prepare For Your Appointment

Please arrive at your appointment with loose, comfortable clothing. Your practitioner may need to roll your clothing up to your knees or elbows depending on where they will be placing the needles.

How Many Treatments Will it Take to Help?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative. Therefore, we typically suggest that a patient has a handful of treatments before we reassess. However, in the case of an acute condition such as a cold or short-term pain, results can be seen more quickly. However, if you have had a chronic issue, it may take a longer course of treatment to see significant changes. Acupuncture isn’t a one-size-fits-all therapy. The results vary from person to person.

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe?

Chinese herbal medicine is very safe when prescribed by a licensed professional. I make sure to only use known, reputable sources and organic whenever possible.

Can I take herbs in combination with my doctor-prescribed medications?

If you are currently taking western pharmaceuticals, it is important that you provide a complete list of all medications and supplements to me as this ensures that we can work simultaneously with your current medications.

Do I need to complete any forms before my appointment?

Yes! Please complete our acupuncture liability waiver and health intake here. If you are a massage client or yoga student at Blue Buddha, you will need to complete this form even if you have completed a form with us in the past. This health intake is specific to acupuncture services. Yes, we know it’s a little lengthy! It’s as long as it is so that our practitioners can know as much as possible about you in order to properly treat you. Please update your service provider if anything you submit on your form changes.