The most widely used and most well-known traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture can be effective at helping to relieve the symptoms of diseases by stimulating the various systems of the human body.
An integrated treatment that focuses on both body and mind, acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles along meridian channels in order to bring the body back to a state of homeostatic health.
A lot of people have considered acupuncture but have questions that they were afraid to ask ahead of their first treatment.
Whilst we are more than happy to discuss any specific needs with you, here is what to expect from acupuncture ahead of your first treatment, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions.
What Does The Initial Assessment Look Like?
Before you have your first acupuncture session, you will have an initial consultation session where you will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire, which will shape the specifics of your treatment.
Acupuncture, as well as other forms of traditional Chinese and Western medical treatment, needs to be tailored to each person, their individual needs and their overall health.
This usually involves testing various health baselines, such as the rhythm of your pulse and looking at your tongue, examining underlying health conditions that may require a mix of treatments involving both acupuncture and general practice, and having a discussion about your specific needs and how acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help you.
All of this will determine how many needles need to be placed, how long they will remain and how many sessions you will need before the full effects of the treatment are realised.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Because of how fine the needles are and how precisely they are inserted into the meridian channels, you will barely be able to feel them at all. It is literally less than a pinprick or a vaccine injection; the most that people will feel during treatment is a slight tingle as they are adjusted.
Acupuncture treatments typically induce a sense of relaxation, making them suitable for addressing symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Where appropriate, it can be combined with aromatherapy massage or cupping therapy for a more integrated approach.
What Should You Do Before Your First Treatment?
You will receive some advice on what you need to know before your first session and when you may need to rearrange it. For example, if you are menstruating, we try to avoid administering acupuncture, and it is typically best to rearrange.
As well as this, you should make sure to hydrate and eat something at least an hour before your treatment, as acupuncture on an empty stomach can potentially cause a vasovagal response, such as fainting, as the treatment circulates energy around your body.
Make sure to have a snack before treatment, even if you typically do not eat breakfast. If you are feeling lightheaded or are fasting for religious reasons, let us know, as we may have to rearrange your session.
Try to minimise caffeine and alcohol consumption as well, as both can affect your ability to relax and focus on treatment.
As well as this, wear light, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics, as they not only allow the practitioner to access all of the important points of your body, but also will help you feel more comfortable and avoid the distractions that come from uncomfortable clothes.
Similarly, avoid wearing strong perfumes or heavy makeup.