Our FAQ
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Most people either feel nothing or a slight pinch when needles are inserted. Typically, there is no pain.
Acupuncture needles are thinner than hypodermic needles used for injections and the point of an acupuncture needle is much sharper than the blunt point of an injection needle.
It’s my first time trying Acupuncture. What should I expect?
At your first visit, we will determine your Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis. We will also look into your lifestyle, emotions, eating and sleeping habits, and energetic needs. We’ll set up goals to get you on the path towards holistic healing. We will help you make changes guided by your comfort level. No pushy advice, just a doable plan of action.
During TCM diagnostics, we do a few things you might not be used to. We look at your tongue because we can see whether you have digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies or an energy imbalance.
We also take your radial pulse with both hands, and instead of timing it, we focus on the strength and quality of the beats. We can see if it’s in excess or deficient, weak or strong.
In addition to your acupuncture treatment, your subsequent visits will consist of addressing the changes you have made, making adjustments, and talking through challenges you are facing in your recovery.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an understanding and study of health and wellbeing that dates back more than 2,000 years. The main approach in this form of medicine is incorporating all aspects of existence — body, mind, and spirit.
In simpler terms, TCM is a holistic and preventative philosophy and practice. TCM practitioners use diagnostic tools to discover the root cause of the issue — not just the symptoms.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed and the frequency of treatments depends on each individual situation. Generally speaking, acute conditions respond more quickly than chronic conditions but this can vary with each person’s condition.
Depending on the severity of your issue, you may require two treatments per week for a few weeks or just one treatment per week. Some patients respond well after just one treatment, while others may take longer to see the benefits.
What should I do before my appointment?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, something you can relax in. Plan to stay about 1 hour for your first visit. Any follow-up visits will last about 50 mins - 1 hour. Make sure not come on an empty stomach.