What To Expect During Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest known schools of medicine. It’s part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for thousands of years. Even conventional health care has found that acupuncture is often an effective treatment approach that contributes to positive outcomes. 

Dr. Trace Alexander at Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine is certified in acupuncture (L.Ac.) as well as a doctor of chiropractic (DC), and a family nurse practitioner (FNP), which means that he has a solid grounding in three separate medical philosophies. This means that he approaches your health from a variety of perspectives and can offer you more options than most health care providers. 

If Dr. Alexander has suggested that acupuncture might be a good treatment for you, but you’re feeling hesitant, this post may help. There are a great many misconceptions regarding what acupuncture is, how it works, and what it feels like. Today, we offer a look at the reality of what you should expect during an acupuncture treatment. 

Safety

If you’re wondering about whether or not acupuncture is safe, it absolutely is. Even the National Institute of Health (NIH) agrees. In 1997, the NIH published findings that acupuncture has many therapeutic applications and is an effective adjunct therapy in numerous comprehensive management plans. 

Acupuncture is safe and rarely has side effects. 

Pain

Probably the most common misconception regarding acupuncture is that it’s painful. It involves needles, after all. However, those needles are so fine -- often as thin as a strand of hair -- you may not even feel them being inserted. It may be hard to believe, but it’s true. 

Once the needle is inserted, it may produce a sensation that feels like pressure or an ache. That’s because Dr. Alexander expertly places the needles in specific places to stimulate particular responses from your body. 

Step-by-step

Dr. Alexander wants to fully understand your situation prior to any treatment. You can expect him to talk to you about your medical history, your symptoms, and your health-related goals before your acupuncture treatment. 

Acupuncture can be administered lying down or sitting in a chair, depending on what’s being treated. In either case, you’re comfortable. You may need to roll up your sleeves or pants, depending on your treatment. 

It’s important to remain very still during your treatment because the placement of the needles is so precise. Dr. Alexander may manipulate the needles or your body while he inserts the needles. You may feel energized or relaxed during and after the treatment. 

Frequency

The suggested number and frequency of treatments varies from person-to-person. Dr. Alexander tailors your treatment specifically to your needs. You may need treatments more than once a week, or just a few times a year, or some changing schedule. 

If you’d like to learn more about acupuncture, how it could benefit you, and what you should expect in your unique situation, book an appointment at Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine. You can book an appointment at either of our locations online or by calling the facility that is most convenient for you.