What To Expect from Acupuncture

I've had the privilege of working at an acupuncture clinic for 9 months, receiving the benefit of free acupuncture treatments. I answered phones and grew familiar with frequently asked questions of new patients.

The world of acupuncture can feel intimidating to say the least and scary to most people afraid of eastern medicine. The good news is that what many people see as part of a "new age" movement is really an "old age" practice that has been introduced in the west. Before modern medicine, these eastern practices were the norm to most of the world. So, here are some answers to the questions you have but are afraid to ask:

Will it hurt?

Typically these hair-thin, pliable needles can barely be felt. I've even seen seven-year-old boys take the plunge for allergy treatments. I actually think an ant bite is more painful. The only sensitive parts of the body are the pads of the hands and feet, and typically, most treatments don't require needles in these sensitive parts. And if you're really afraid of needles, ask your acupuncturist if they have J-type, one-inch Seiren needles. These needles are the least painful of all the needles. Your acupuncturist will be impressed that you even know that much!

Is there a religion backing up acupuncture? Will I be going against my religious background?

Although acupuncture has a religious origin, it's not tied to any religion now. People practice acupuncture and people receive acupuncture treatments because it works, plain and simple. You don't have to subscribe to any religious dogma. It is a neutral practice so you won't be going against any kind of religion that you are currently subscribed to. One of the differences with acupuncture and modern medicine is that acupuncture does not separate the body and treat you on a physical level alone. Acupuncture and eastern medicine sees the body in its entirety: body, soul, and mind. Each of these aspects cannot be separated from the other. If that is something that you are uncomfortable with, maybe "holistic" health in general is something you might be uncomfortable with in general. In our western lingo, it's basically saying that our emotional state and our spiritual state affect our physical state and visa versa.

Will I have to get naked?

In the nine months of working at an acupuncturist's office, and because I am in charge of pulling out the needles, I've never been exposed to anyone "exposed." Like a doctor's office, there are gowns; there is bedding, these things offering you some cover. Needles can be placed anywhere, from your ears and face, your extremities, your belly, lower back, shoulders. There have been a few occasions where the needles have been in the lower pelvic area, baring some pubic hair, or in the cleavage, but even with those situations, the body was still covered. It is important for both you and the acupuncturist that you are comfortable and that a level of privacy is maintained.

What happens when I get there?

Although each clinic has a unique way of doing business, here's the typical scenario:
You will come into the office and fill out consent forms and your medical history. The consent forms deal with some legal issues. Basically, an acupuncturist cannot be your primary doctor. Acupuncturists typically see patients every 30-45 minutes, but with new patients, you will be seen for an hour and a half to two hours. This is because the initial visit has a more thorough consultation followed by a treatment. Ever wonder why there is always a wait time at doctor's offices? It's because when one patient is late, it sets the doctor behind from that point on and every additional person who is late sets the doctor even farther behind. So as a courtesy to other patients, always arrive on time! If you are seeing an acupuncturist for allergies, you will be told to avoid taking antihistamines for 48hrs prior to your appointment. This is to guarantee that the muscle testing is accurate.

When you do see the acupuncturist, he or she will look at your medical history and discuss the reason for your visit. At this time, feel free to ask any questions or share any of your concerns. He or she may or may not do muscle testing.

Muscle testing is strange but it works! The acupuncturist will ask you to put your left arm out and hold it up strong. Then he or she will touch your forearm near your elbow with one hand, and with the other, she will touch viles. This part, I don't understand since I'm not actually an acupuncturist, but from this muscle testing, the acupuncturist will choose specific viles that will help you with whatever you came in for. Some acupuncturists will massage a part of your back and ask you to breath and pant while they tap your back. Others will not. This has something to do with clearing the energy fields in your body. You'll be asked to lay down and hold the viles in a glass cup. This is when he or she will start the treatment and put the needles on different parts of your body. Then you will lay there for about 15 to 30 minutes and absorb the effects of the treatment.

If you come in for pain, you may not need muscle testing. The acupuncturist will just examine the area of pain and put needles as needed. Sometimes there is cupping involved. Sometimes there are moxa sticks. Sometimes there is electrical stimulation from machines that are attached to the needles to increase the effect of the treatment. All these things are decided at the discretion of the acupuncturist.

When your treatment is over, the acupuncturist or the assistant will take the needles out. The needles are always disposable. Then you may be prescribed some extra herbs, essential oils, or flower essences to take home with you. So that's it! Every acupuncture treatment is different, but this is the typical scenario.

Most people feel relaxed and rejuvenated after a treatment. It is safe to go to work right after. It is a great way to start the day. In the 9 months that I've worked there, I've been able to use acupuncture to alleviate PMS, to regulate my period, to heal an injured wrist, to relieve soreness in my upper back, to help deal with anxiety, guilt and fear through Psyche K, to clear up food allergies, and to relieve nausea! (Those are a few things I can remember from the top of my head, and I'm sure there are more) Basically, acupuncture can do anything besides heal broken bones. So that's it! Go ahead, take the plunge!