What can I expect at my first acupuncture visit?

When asked to describe their experience, first time acupuncture clients describe the treatment as being pleasurable and relaxing. Most people fall asleep during treatment. Others feel as if they are floating with a tingling, warm sensation. Other sensations that may be felt are heaviness, heat and cold.

What does an acupuncture practitioner do in a typical session?

The acupuncturist puts needles into those meridians to help regulate and move the body back to homeostasis, or wellness. Typically, sessions may go for 20 to 30 minutes depending on your treatment. The acupuncturist will usually dim the lights and put on quiet music to help you relax.

Can an acupuncturist diagnose?

Acupuncturists play an active and central role in acupuncture treatment. All the information used to make a diagnosis can only be obtained from acupuncturists’ ‘looking’, ‘listening’, ‘feeling’ and ‘thinking’.

What are the acupuncture points?

Acupuncture points are anatomically defined areas on the skin relative to certain landmarks on the body. The original Chinese pictographs for acupoints indicated that there were holes in the skin through which qi energy could flow.

Do you wear clothes during acupuncture?

Acupuncturists may need to access areas under your clothes, but they will properly drape you so that only small portions of skin are exposed. However, they do recommend wearing loose clothing so that sleeves can be rolled up above the elbows and pant legs can be pulled up above the knees.

Why do I bruise after acupuncture?

Acupuncture works by stimulating certain points on the body with tiny needles that penetrate the skin and activate self-healing. Though the needles are extremely fine, they sometimes hit small blood vessels, causing a minor bruise to form in that area. Typically, these bruises are painless.

Why does an acupuncturist look at your tongue?

Acupuncturists check your tongue for color, texture and coating. In addition, the shape of your tongue can be an indicator of poor health. Your acupuncture El Segundo practitioner can determine health imbalances quickly.

Why does the acupuncturist check my pulse?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pulse palpation—an examination in which a practitioner takes a patient’s pulse—is a key component to diagnosing imbalances and viewing a person’s overall health. Different pulse positions on each wrist correspond to different organs in the body.

How is acupuncture done?

Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most people report feeling minimal pain as the needle is inserted. The needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure or ache. Needles may be heated during the treatment or mild electric current may be applied to them.

Do I have to get naked for acupuncture?

You don’t need to remove all of your clothes for a treatment. Acupuncturists may need to access areas under your clothes, but they will properly drape you so that only small portions of skin are exposed.

Should I shave before acupuncture?

Yes, whatever makes you feel You. Hair styling. Wear your hair up or down, so long as you can comfortably lie on your back with your head resting on a pillow.