Your first acupuncture visit should take about an hour and a half. Please try to arrive early to fill out intake forms. Your appointment will include 15-20 minutes to address the reason for your visit and allow for any questions. You will then experience a full acupuncture treatment. At the end of the treatment, we will explain your treatment plan, including any herbs that are recommended. Follow up treatments run 45-60 minutes, depending on the issue being treated.

Though it seems mysterious, acupuncture has a scientific explanation and does not require a patient’s belief in order to work. The brain is signaled when the needle is positioned. The brain responds by increasing blood cell counts and various other immune system elements, and lastly, by activating neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters (or messenger molecules) are responsible for sending information to all cells in order for the body to function. Endorphins and enkephalins are well known neurotransmitters that stop pain and increase a feeling of well-being. Acupuncture causes the release of these natural, morphine-like substances from the brain.

If performed by a qualified, conscientious practitioner, yes. Licensed Acupuncturists know the human anatomy well, and insert needles in a safe fashion. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are pre-sterilized and disposable after a single use after each use.

Many people are nervous before their first acupuncture treatment, but the needles used are very fine—hair thin, even—and don’t cause pain when used by an experienced practitioner. Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair. The sensations that follow range from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. This is a desired feeling, as it means the treatment is working. Most patients are surprised to discover that treatments involve little or no pain, and are usually quite relaxing.

This depends on the person and the issue being treated. Some people feel instant relief, while others take an average of 3-5 treatments before feeling any relief. At the very least, most all patients report sleeping better the night after their treatment. After the main issue is resolved, we recommend monthly ‘tune-ups’ for general health and immune boosting.

Everyone is different. Acute problems like a sore throat, sinus congestion, pain can be resolved in a single session — even during the session. With chronic problems, significant results will more likely occur within 4-6 treatments. The total number of treatments needed depends upon: 1. the severity of the person’s condition 2. how long the condition has existed 3. the overall state of health, energy and motivation of the patient 4. the patient’s participation in the healing processing (e.g., changing eating habits, making lifestyle changes, etc.)

Please try to wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing for your appointment if possible. Patients typically remain clothed during their treatment. However, gowns and linens are always available if partial disrobing is required. Please eat a few hours before your treatment so as not to be too hungry or too full for your session. Lastly, it is best to refrain from caffeine, alcohol and strenuous physical activity following acupuncture.

A single herb has potential for side effects because it may have a particular action on the whole body that isn’t desired. However, an herbal formula carefully designed by a well-trained practitioner rarely has side effects because its various influences on different body systems have been balanced by the other herbs and thus each body part receives a particular and desired effect. The most common side effect from using herbal therapy is an upset stomach, which is easily remedied by taking the herbal formula with meals. However, there is always a chance of an unwanted side effect, such as rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even shortness of breath. Please contact your physician and herbalist as soon as possible and immediately stop taking the medicine until cleared from your doctor. It’s always better to be safe and err to the side of caution.

Acupuncture is an effective way to treat many types of pain, and has few side effects. If pain medicines have been a problem for you, acupuncture may be a viable option. To make an appointment with a certified medical acupuncturist from the Legacy Acupuncture, please feel free to call 972-467-0887.