What a Typical Acupuncture Treatment Is Like?
Diagnosis & Consultation
As the first step, you will be asked to complete the health history form. We begin by asking you about your health concerns, diet, sleep, stress level, and other lifestyle habits. You may be asked about your emotions, appetite, food likes and dislikes, and response to changes in temperature and seasons.
The Actual procedure
Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. Your acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A gown, towel or sheet will be provided. You lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:
Needle Insertion
Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on your body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often don't feel them inserted at all. Between five and 20 needles are used in a typical treatment. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth
Needle Manipulation
Your practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles after placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles. Acupuncture is a complementary medical practice that entails stimulating certain points on the body, most often with a needle penetrating the skin, to alleviate pain or to help treat various health conditions.
Needle Removal
In most cases, the needles remain in place for 20 to 40 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.
After the procedure
Some people feel relaxed and others feel energized after an acupuncture treatment. But not everyone responds to acupuncture. If your symptoms don't begin to improve within a few weeks, acupuncture may not be right for you.
We at Arura also use various other techniques during your session including:
Moxibustion
Also known as "moxa," moxibustion involves the use of heated sticks (made from dried herbs) held near the acupuncture needles to warm and stimulate the acupuncture points.
Cupping
Glass cups are applied to the skin so that there is a suction effect. In TCM theory, cupping is used to relieve the stagnation of qi and blood.
Herbs
Chinese herbs may be given in the form of teas, pills, and capsules. Traditional Chinese medicine, especially acupuncture, is a popular form of therapy that pain patients have embraced. Pain clinicians should become familiar with these alternative therapies.
Electro acupuncture
An electrical device is connected to two to four acupuncture needles, providing a weak electrical current that stimulates the acupuncture needles during the treatment.
Laser acupuncture
Said to stimulate acupuncture points without the use of needles. Laser therapy is a fast and painless therapy. It has become a popular treatment option, and works by activating endorphins to provide a natural pain relief, while stimulating blood flow to tissues to speed up the healing process.