Is acupuncture safe?  Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a competently trained, licensed professional.  Today, licensed acupuncturists use individually wrapped, sterile, disposable needles, so the risk of infection is minimal.

Does it hurt?  Acupuncture needles are very thin (about the thickness of a hair), so the sensation you feel is generally minimal.  In fact, you may not feel anything at all, or you may feel some tingling, warmth, or heaviness after the needles are in place.  Most people relax so completely during a treatment that they fall asleep or feel as if they had just meditated.

How many treatments will I need?  The number of treatments varies, depending on the duration and severity of your condition.  Acute injuries may resolve as quickly as 1-2 sessions, while chronic problems may take 5-10 sessions or more, depending on your health and how well you take care of yourself between sessions.  Some conditions require treatment over a period of time to completely resolve.

What can I do to get the most out of my acupuncture session?   Wear comfortable clothes and allow yourself to relax.  Avoid having acupuncture on a completely empty stomach (don’t skip breakfast before your session), or when you are very tired. Do not move suddenly after the needles are in place (you may dislodge or bend them), but do let your practitioner know if you are uncomfortable and need to shift your position.  Ask your acupuncturist any questions you have about your treatments, so you can get the most benefit out of them.