Rebecca Nye, DOM   ~   Body Wisdom Acupuncture

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Acupuncture treatment creates deep relaxation
in both mind and body.

It's important for you to know that acupuncture needles are nothing like hypodermic injection or blood drawing needles at the doctor’s office. Therefore, you can expect your treatment to be a completely different, more pleasant experience. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, smooth, flexible needles that, most of the time, you should barely feel when I insert them. Beyond this, you may sometimes feel a unique "Qi sensation" related to the accessing or moving of Qi in the area being treated... These Qi sensations are unique to each person, but are often described as a dull, heavy, or mildly achy pressure at the needle site, or a spreading, traveling feeling, or a tingling, or a temperature change either in one specific area or throughout the body, such as a spreading coolness or a warm flush. Occasionally, a brief "electrical" or nerve-like sensation can occur, though this is less common.  The best part is that acupuncture releases pain-relieving and "feel-good" chemicals in the body that can feel like a warm, relaxed, glow during and after treatment - almost like the effect of a social glass of wine. Most patients find acupuncture sensations overall deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.

For those of you who are still nervous about having your first acupuncture treatment (for instance if you have a "needle phobia", PTSD or anxiety) I can work with you to help you relax and slowly acclimate at your comfort level to a different experience than what you may be expecting.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Each person’s condition and response to acupuncture is unique, however here are some general guidelines.

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so while immediate results can often be felt during or shortly after your very first treatment, more than one treatment is usually necessary for deep and lasting resolution of most issues
Acute conditions may require 6 to 12 treatments, on a weekly or biweekly schedule, but you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few sessions.
Chronic or deeper conditions usually resolve more gradually, requiring more sessions over a longer time. Much depends on the complexity, severity, and duration of the condition, as well as one's underlying constitution. Together we will discuss possible treatment plans and schedules which can be adjusted over time as your condition improves

Treatments for general well-being, immunity boosting or as a preventive health regimen are effective, enjoyable and very much encouraged! These may be scheduled regularly or on an as-needed basis.