ACUPUNCTURE FAQ'S
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Acupuncture is a holistic, non-invasive, and effective form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that dates back as far as 2,500 years. During an Acupuncture Session, a Board-Certified Acupuncturist will insert very thin needles into specific Acupuncture points throughout your body – such as on the arms, hands, feet, back, or legs.
According to Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, these Acupuncture points run along the major energy channels of the body, also known as Meridians. Acupuncture works to balance and restore the flow of vital life energy, known as Qi (or Chi), throughout the major Meridians of your body. In turn, you’ll experience a reduction in pain, stress, and tension, and an overall improvement to your physical and emotional health.
WILL THE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES HURT?
One of the biggest fears people have when it comes to receiving Acupuncture is that the needles will be painful. However, the needles used in an Acupuncture Treatment are much thinner than those used in other Medical Settings, and there is rarely ever any pain experienced during an Acupuncture treatment! In fact, your Session should feel relatively comfortable and is often deeply relaxing.
When an Acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin there may be a slight prick or pinching sensation, but it is usually very mild and brief.
Once the needles are inserted, it is normal to feel sensations such as warmth, tingling, an electric or “zappy” sensation, heaviness, or numbness. These sensations actually indicate that the needles are doing their job, and that the treatment is working successfully.
It’s also possible that you will experience mild bruising, soreness, or achiness after the Session has ended. However, these sensations should begin to dissipate after 24-48 hours.
If you do feel any pain during your Session, then please be sure to communicate this to your Acupuncturist immediately, so that they can adjust your treatment as necessary.
WHAT TYPES OF CONDITIONS DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
Acupuncture has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms in a very wide variety of conditions. We always recommend that you speak to your Primary Care Physician before receiving Acupuncture, to ensure that it will be a safe and effective form of treatment. According to the World Health Organization, Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for the following conditions:
• Abdominal Pain
• Asthma
• Constipation
• Depression
• Facial pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Headache
• IBS
• Insomnia
• Knee pain
• Low back pain
• Menopausal Symptoms
• Morning sickness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Postoperative pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Stiff Neck
• Stress Reduction
• Sciatica
• Tennis elbow
IS IT POSSIBLE THAT ACUPUNCTURE WILL WORSEN MY CONDITION?
Acupuncture is a very gentle and non-invasive technique, and it is highly unlikely that it will ever worsen a condition. The general rule of thumb is that Acupuncture is never likely to cause harm, and therefore it is almost always worth a try… while it may not end up improving your condition, you will be no worse for the wear, and if anything you’ll experience a reduction in stress brought on by your symptoms. That being said, we always recommend speaking with your Primary Care Physician should you have any concerns or questions about receiving Acupuncture.
WHY IS MY FIRST VISIT MORE EXPENSIVE?
Your first Session will consist of a 60 minute Initial Evaluation. This gives our Acupuncturist adequate time to discuss your needs, determine where you might have imbalances, and develop a treatment plan best suited for you. Once you’ve completed your Initial Consultation, all future Sessions will be 45 minutes in length.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING MY SESSION?
When you arrive for your Initial Evaluation you’ll be greeted at the Reception Desk and asked to fill out our Acupuncture Intake Form. We suggest arriving at least 15 minutes early for your appointment so that you have plenty of time to complete your form, get settled in, or use the bathroom before your treatment begins. Once you’ve completed your form, our warm and friendly Board-Certified Acupuncturist will guide you into the Acupuncture Room – a beautiful and soothing space, complete with dim lighting and calming music. Your Acupuncturist will then discuss your personal needs and reasons for visiting, and will work with you to determine a treatment plan. Next you’ll lie down and relax on a comfortable massage table where your Acupuncture Treatment will begin. Your Acupuncturist will walk you through the entire process, and will explain what sensations you might feel, as well as where the needles will be placed. Once the needles are in position, you’ll be given a few minutes to relax as the Treatment starts to take effect. The Acupuncturist will usually exit the room at this time to give you peace and privacy. They’ll return 20-30 minutes later to gently remove the Acupuncture needles. They will then discuss the Treatment with you and might provide you with diet and lifestyle tips or suggest further treatments as needed.
WILL I NEED TO UNDRESS?
Depending on where the needles need to be placed, it’s possible that you’ll need to remove some garments of clothing. Your privacy and comfort are of the utmost priority for us at Verbena, and we will take every measure possible to ensure that you feel comfortable and safe. If it’s necessary for you to undress, then your Acupuncturist will exit the space for a few minutes – giving you time to undress, and get settled on the massage table. The massage table is fitted with blankets and sheets for comfort and privacy. Your Acupuncturist will only expose the areas of the body where needles need to be inserted – taking great care to ensure your modesty and privacy. Once the needles are in place, they will cover you in a special, Acupuncture blanket.
HOW MANY SESSIONS AM I GOING TO NEED?
This will vary greatly depending on your personal needs. After your Initial Evaluation, your Acupuncturist will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your unique needs. This could range anywhere from 1 Session per month to 2-3 Sessions per week, depending on your circumstances.
IS YOUR ACUPUNCTURIST PROPERLY TRAINED?
We’ve worked very hard to seek out the most qualified, passionate, and talented practitioners at Verbena! You can rest assured that your Acupuncturist is properly educated and licensed, in accordance with all Connecticut State Licensing Laws. If you’d like to learn more about our Team Members – including their background and education – please click here.
DO I HAVE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
Yes, appointments are required for every Acupuncture Treatment at Verbena. To schedule an appointment please click here or call us at 860 426 3787.