What to expect from your first Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture is a safe and effective healing treatment that is backed by more than two thousand 
years of practice and research. It is used worldwide for a wide range of conditions.
Generally, people find an acupuncture treatment to be a relaxing experience. This is especially so 
after they get over any initial concerns over needles. 

Your First Visit
Generally, your first visit is longer than your follow up visits as you will be asked questions and a 
detailed medical history is taken to help the Acupuncturist make a diagnosis. This is very important and while many of the questions might seem slightly odd or irrelevant to your condition there is a very good reason behind these questions.
Other diagnostic tools such as looking at your Tongue and feeling your Pulse allow us to tailor the 
treatment specifically to you. Many people may experience a broad range of changes after receiving 
acupuncture for a specific complaint. 

After the treatment it is common for an acupuncturist to offer a prognosis along with a basic treatment plan. They are also likely to offer various beneficial lifestyle changes which may help to improve your overall condition. These may include dietary changes, exercise, meditation, etc.

• What are the needles like?
The needles used within acupuncture are both sterile and extremely thin. Most people are 
surprised to see how thin the needles actually are. The most commonly used needle is a 25 mm
(1 inch) .25 mm width needle.

 
• What will I feel?
The sensation you will feel when being needled is generally fairly minimal. In some you will feel 
almost nothing, while in others the needle will be rotated slightly until you feel a heavy or 
distended feeling indicating the arrival of qi.

• How long will the treatment last?
After the needles are inserted you are usually left to rest for a period of 20 - 45 minutes. Most 
people feel fairly relaxed during this period and many simply fall asleep.

What other techniques may be part of my treatment?
Acupuncture is simply one aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine. During your treatment your 
acupuncturist may choose to use additional techniques depending on your condition:• Electro-acupuncture - the acupuncture needles are stimulated with an electric charge 
delivered from a machine. This is used often and effectively in patients dealing with pain.
• Moxibustion - this involves the burning of an herb either on the top of a needle or by Moxa 
stick. This is used often in patients with Arthritis & breech presentation babies.
• Cupping - this involves the use of glass or bamboo cups which are placed on the body with 
suction to help remove toxins and muscle tension, immune issues such as a cold as well as for 
pain.

If you haven’t tried acupuncture yet we'd be happy to tell you more and answer any questions you 
may have.

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