Dr. Regina Touhey Serkin, LAc, DACM MSTOM, NCCAOM certified, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when I insert them. There may be a brief sensation as the needle first passes through the skin. Once the needles are in place, you may notice a tingling or a feeling of heat at the needle site. These are normal responses. Some people say they feel very relaxed when they are having a treatment; many people fall asleep. Other people do not feel much at all. Everyone’s reaction is different and correct. There is a benefit from each
treatment. Some of the benefits that people report after acupuncture treatments are increased mental clarity, improved ability to cope, greater alertness, improved ability to sleep, reduction of aches and pains, and reduction of depression and anxiety.
Acupuncture treatments work gently over time. The more treatments you receive
the more benefits you experience. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying.

Acupuncture treatment creates deep relaxation
in both mind and body.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 4-10 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after the first one. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

• Come with your questions and be ready to describe what you are experiencing.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points from your elbow to your hand and your knee to your foot.
• Eat before your visit but refrain from large meals just before or after treatment.
• Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to 6 hours after your visit.
• Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, be sure to get plenty of rest, and drink plenty of water.
• Between visits take note of any changes that may have occurred, alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.