ACUPUNCTURE 
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What does it feel like?

Some people feel nothing at all during needle insertion. Acupuncture should be relatively painless.  If you do feel anything, it is like a single hair being pulled with a tweezer.   After the needle is inserted, you may feel pressure, as if the practitioners hand is still there, or tingling.  A sensation of tingling up or down the arm or leg is normal, and indicates that the needles are moving the body's energy, or qi. 

What happens during a treatment?

The practitioner will have questions about your sleep, digestion, pain, stress, and symptoms.  They will take your pulse on both hands, look at your tongue, and palpate different areas of the body.  You will remove your socks and shoes, and make yourself comfortable on the table.  The practitioner will choose points, swab them with alcohol, and apply needles.  Most people fall asleep during treatment, as the rooms are warm and comfortable, with soft music.  After needles are removed, the practitioner may use cupping, or do bodywork, depending on the condition you are seeking treatment for. 

How long does a treatment last?

Generally, a treatment lasts about an hour, sometimes more, sometimes less.

Are there side effects from acupuncture?

Very few.  The most common one is a small bruise at the site of a needle insertion.  It is possible but much less common to have tingling or numbness at the site of a needle insertion.    The risk of any side effects can be mitigated by always telling your practitioner what medications your are on, and if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.