Do the needles hurt? No, acupuncture is not painful. When an acupuncture needle is inserted, patients may experience sensations such as tingling, heaviness, or energetic movement in the area, but many feel nothing at all. The needles used are extremely tiny and most patients find treatments quite relaxing.

Is acupuncture safe? Yes, it is extremely safe. Because the needles used are pre-sterilized, individually packaged and used only once, there is virtually no risk of infection. Acupuncture is a therapy that uses the body's own energy to heal illness naturally, so there are no side effects.

How many treatments do I need? The number of treatments necessary varies depending on the individual patient's condition. Sometimes a problem is resolved within the first or second treatment; other conditions take many months of treatment. In general, acute conditions resolve faster than chronic conditions, and patients with healthier lifestyles tend to respond more quickly. Four treatments are recommended before deciding whether acupuncture will be able to help.

What happens in a treatment? During the first visit, detailed questions are asked about many aspects of health, symptoms and lifestyle. This information, along with observations of tongue and pulse, will be used to form an individual diagnosis of the pattern of disharmony. The acupuncturist will then place tiny, sterilized needles at specific points on the body to affect certain systems and restore balance and health to the body.

How are acupuncturists trained? Acupuncturists in the United States receive 3 to 4 years of intense and comprehensive graduate training. The schools are nationally certified and accredited by NCCAOM. Acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state. Find a licensed acupuncturist in your area at www.acufinder.com