What to Expect

Do the Needles Hurt?

The sensation caused by the acupuncture needle varies. Some people feel little to no discomfort as the needle is inserted. It is normal to experience a feeling of numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache at the point of insertion. The needles are so thin that they do not cause pain; however, you may feel a sensation of a hair being plucked (although no hairs are plucked) or tingling or numbness.
The needles are not meant to draw blood, and only occasionally you will see a tiny drop of blood when they are removed.

How Long Before I Feel Relief?

Your relief may be immediate, delayed for a few hours or even develop after 1 to 3 days. The relief may last for a few hours on the first visit and then last longer with each successive treatment. OR, relief may last from the first treatment until your next visit. It is important to recognize that we are all individuals. Individual response to treatment varies.

What are the Side Effects?

Side effects are rare but may include the following symptoms: light-headed feeling, dizziness, sleepiness, euphoria, nausea, slight bruising, residual muscle aching. Any of these should last only a very short time. It is helpful to take a short nap after acupuncture. To help reduce the risk of side effects, please read the page titled "Your First Visit."