Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture is not meant to be painful. You may feel a slight prick upon insertion of the needle or feel a dull ache, tingling, warmth, or sensation of heaviness with needle placement, but no part of the treatment is ever meant to be painful or uncomfortable in any way. Once the needles are in, you should be able to rest comfortably for the duration of the treatment. Please let your practitioner know if anything feels uncomfortable at any point during your treatment.

We can use laser acupuncture instead of needles to avoid any discomfort or fear of needles.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Acupuncture is an incredibly safe treatment modality with minimal risk of adverse side effects. Although occasional and minimal, some side effects are possible and normally disappear shortly after treatment (such as slight bleeding or small bruises). Each needle is sterile and disposable, eliminating the risk for infection.

How often will I need treatment? When will I start to notice results?

Frequency may be determined by the severity of the condition (whether chronic or acute) and a variety of other factors that will be determined during your initial consultation. Typical treatment frequency is once or twice a week with regular reassessment of symptoms and appropriate modification of treatment frequency and protocol. Most people feel calm and relaxed after acupuncture treatments, and improvement of conditions will vary depending on severity and duration.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture consists of inserting hair-thin, stainless steel needles in different parts of the body to elicit various biological and physiological responses through activation of sensory receptors. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the healing state of the autonomic nervous system, as opposed to fight or flight), increases blood flow to injured areas, decreases inflammation, boosts the immune system, and sends the message to the brain via the central nervous system to release pain-relieving neurotransmitters such as endorphins and serotonin.

What if I’m afraid of needles?

We have a solution. We offer a "no needle" approach using laser acupuncture (low level laser therapy) for those who are needle-phobic.

How does acupuncture help my fertility?

Your individualized acupuncture treatments are designed to regulate hormones, decrease stress and increase blood circulation. Acupuncture has also been proven to decrease chances of biochemical pregnancy or miscarriage, reduce uterine contractility, improve follicular microenvironment, improve uterine receptivity via immune modulation, and decrease side effects of prescription medication related to assisted reproductive technology procedures (IVF, FET, IUI).