What You Need to Know About Acupuncture:
6 Commonly Asked Questions About Acupuncture

Traditional East Asian Medicine & Acupuncture have gained a lot of popularity in recent years.Despite its growing popularity, many people still have questions about this ancient practice.

In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about acupuncture.

1: Will acupuncture hurt?

One of the most common apprehensions surrounding acupuncture is the fear of experiencing pain during the procedure. However, this concern is often unfounded as the needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, resembling the width of a hair strand.

Due to their delicate nature, they rarely cause any discomfort or pain when inserted properly.

On the contrary, numerous individuals have expressed feelings of deep relaxation and tranquility throughout the treatment session. The process is generally well-tolerated, and many even describe the sensation as barely noticeable, if felt at all. The practitioner’s expertise in precise needle placement plays a significant role in ensuring a painless experience.

2: Are acupuncture needles sterile?

At our acupuncture clinic, we prioritize your health and safety above all else.

That’s why we adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the State of California, which outline the best practices for acupuncture needle usage. According to these regulations, all acupuncture needles should be sterile, single-use, and disposable, ensuring a clean and hygienic experience for each and every patient.

We use our needles only once, before disposing of them in our sharps containers. You can rest assured knowing that you are in safe hands.

3: How long will the needles be in?

When you come in for an acupuncture session, one of the common questions that might arise is how long the needles will be in place. The duration varies depending on the type of treatment you are receiving, but on average, patients typically retain the acupuncture needles for a period of 20 to 40 minutes.

This timeframe allows sufficient time for the therapeutic effects of the treatment to take place. During this time, your practitioner will check on you and may make adjustments to the needles as needed.

You don’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable during the treatment as our practitioners are skilled and experienced in ensuring your comfort. As the minutes pass by, you might even find yourself embracing a sense of calm and serenity. Many patients report feeling deeply relaxed during their acupuncture sessions, and some have even described it as a welcome escape from the stresses of daily life.

4: What should I wear to an acupuncture treatment?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are ideal for acupuncture treatments. It’s important to ensure that you feel relaxed and comfortable during the treatment, so we recommend avoiding tight, restrictive clothing.

5: Is there anything I should know before getting an acupuncture treatment?

Yes! It’s important to make sure that you’ve eaten something substantial within two hours before your treatment. This ensures that you won’t feel faint or uncomfortable during the treatment.

Additionally, we recommend not doing anything strenuous immediately after your treatment as you’ll feel extremely relaxed and may need time to adjust back to your daily routine.

Read more about what to expect at your first acupuncture appointment here.

6: Why is there so much paperwork?

Before beginning your acupuncture treatment, we need to get a detailed picture of your medical history, symptoms and concerns. This helps us to arrive at an accurate diagnosis sooner and better direct your treatment plan.

The more information you provide, the better we can understand your individual needs.

We hope this blog post has answered some of the most commonly asked questions about acupuncture.

If you’re still curious, we encourage you to book an appointment and come see our skilled practitioners at our acupuncture clinic.

Remember, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment that can have numerous benefits for your overall health and wellness. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any further inquiries or concerns.

Anna Rudel
San Jose Acupuncturist
408.279.9001
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