Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the placing of very fine, sterile, single-use needles at chosen points on the body, left in place for a while as you rest. In this practice it comes with a talk, a look at your tongue and a feel of your pulse, and a pattern assessment that decides where the needles go.
Who usually comes for it
Adults who come in for back and neck pain, shoulders that stay tight at a desk, headaches, or stress and poor sleep. Many have already seen a doctor or tried other things, and keep seeing them. A few come because they are curious and want a quiet hour.
What you may feel afterward
Many people feel relaxed or sleepy afterward. Some have mild soreness at a point, a small mark or a light bruise, or feel light-headed for a minute when they stand up. Drink some water, eat something and take the rest of the day easy if you can. Call me if something worries you.
What a visit is like, in order
- 01
Step 1: The talk
About 20 minutes on a first visit, and a few minutes on later ones: what has changed since last time, what you have noticed, what you take.
- 02
Step 2: Tongue and pulse
A look at your tongue and a feel of your pulse at both wrists, then a check of how the sore or tight area moves.
- 03
Step 3: Needles
A small number of needles, a few at a time, each one explained. Most people feel a brief pinch or nothing, then a dull ache or warmth.
- 04
Step 4: Rest
About 30 minutes under a blanket with the lights low. I look in on you and can come back sooner whenever you ask.
- 05
Step 5: Needles out, then a plan
I take the needles out, count them and talk about how you feel. We agree when to come back and what to try at home.
Tell me first
Say these at the start, so I can plan the visit around them.
Pregnancy
Say so when you book, even if it is early. Some points are avoided during pregnancy, and I plan the visit around that.
Blood thinners
Or a bleeding disorder. Needles and cups can bruise or bleed more easily, so tell me what you take and how often you are checked.
A pacemaker or implant
I do not use electro-stimulation with a pacemaker or any implanted device. Tell me about each one, and I keep the visit to hand-placed needles.
Lymph node removal
If lymph nodes were removed on one side, I leave that arm or side alone. Tell me which one.
Fear of needles
It is common, and you set the pace. We can start with one or two needles, or with cupping, and I stop whenever you ask.
Everything you take
Medicines, supplements and herbs, written down or on your phone. Acupuncture is not a reason to change a medicine; talk to whoever prescribes it first.
How many visits, and what this does not do
It varies from person to person. Many people plan a short series, weekly at first and then spaced further apart, and I give you a plan at your first visit. It is yours to change, and some people do not notice a change.
What it does not do, and when to see a doctor
Acupuncture does not replace your doctor’s care, and I never ask you to change a medicine. I will not tell you a condition is fixed or promise a result. See a doctor first, or instead, for sudden severe pain, chest pain, fever with back pain, new weakness or numbness in the legs, trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or pain after a fall or a crash. In an emergency, call 911.
How fees work is on its own page, with the questions to ask your plan. When you are ready, send a message and I will find you a first visit.