You can keep your pants on and it shouldn’t hurt!

A skeptic’s guide to acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been in practice for thousands of years. First documented in China around 100 BCE, acupuncture has been more widely practiced in the United States for only the last 40-50 years. While acupuncture is not a “new” treatment, it is still new to a lot of us. As with many unfamiliar things, you may have a lot of questions. We’ve asked our Equilibrium acupuncturists, Liz Marr and Shade, to help clear up some of the confusion.

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is: “Will it hurt?”

Sometimes there is a momentary "pinching" sensation when the needle is placed, However, oftentimes people don't feel the needles being placed at all.

Acupuncture needles are very different than the types of needles used in other areas of medicine, like drawing blood, giving vaccinations or IV therapy. Typically those needles are a lot larger and hollow to be able to puncture through the layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues. Acupuncture needles are much, much thinner, often not much larger than the size of a strand of hair, and go in between the tissues. Occasionally, you’ll feel a sensation, sometimes described as a buzzing, achiness or warmth around the needles, which is your body’s energy (or Qi) moving. These sensations often subside after the initial needle insertion and a feeling of relaxation often follows.

“But I still don’t like needles!”

You’re welcome to close your eyes or look away during treatment, removing the visual stimulus can often reduce the fear associated with it. Depending on the treatment, sometimes you may be more comfortable laying face down or in another position. You can also ask your acupuncturist to let you know before they insert the needles, asking you to take a deep breath in and out to relax your nerves and occupy your mind with different thoughts. If you prefer not to have the anticipation, that’s also an option.

Some acupuncture treatments can also be performed with focused light (this is called laser acupuncture) or even using other things, like stones. This can be especially helpful for pediatric or younger patients who may have more difficulty tolerating needles or remaining still during treatments.

“Do I have to get undressed?”

Not necessarily! You will likely have to remove your shoes and socks, but many acupuncture treatments can be performed through normal clothing, or by rolling up sleeves or pant legs. Many beneficial acupuncture treatments can be done using the arms and legs only. A lot of patients prefer to wear loose, comfortable clothing for treatments, so maybe not your thickest corduroy blazer?

Acupuncture needles can be placed near the area of injury (locally) or on other areas of the body (distally), so you may not even need to expose yourself (to art, to needles, etc).

Some folks prefer to undress for acupuncture like they would for massage therapy, using a sheet or blanket for coverage and warmth, but this isn’t always necessary. Your acupuncturist may also look at you tongue or feel your pulse to check for any imbalances in your body or the flow of energy. They want you to feel as comfortable as possible during the treatment, so if anything feels wrong, or if you have any limitations, please speak up!

“What if I fall asleep? What if I don’t fall asleep?”

Please enjoy an Acunap! Acupuncture helps relax the body’s nervous system. In this parasympathetic state, your body is able to rest, digest and repair, which allows healing to occur. Even if you don’t fall asleep, the treatment is still working to relax and balance your body. Your provider will often step out of the room after placing the needles and allow you to have a quiet moment. If you have a busy family, or a demanding, stressful job, you’ll be extra appreciative of these quiet, restful times. Who’d have thought that being poked dozens of times would be the calmest part of your day? With an acupuncture treatment, it can be!

“What can acupuncture help me with?”

So many things! Folks often think first of getting acupuncture to treat back pain, and it certainly can help heal your strains, sprains, aches and pains. Acupuncture is also beneficial in treating other, non-osteopathic conditions, such as neuropathy, digestive and reproductive issues. Acupuncture has also been used to treat respiratory issues, allergies and even dermatological conditions. Shade uses acupuncture to aid in emotional healing for folks recovering from trauma and other causes of stuck emotions. The World health Organization now recommends acupuncture for over 100 different conditions.

If you still have any questions or concerns about acupuncture, please give us a call and we’re happy to answer and get you scheduled today!