Lawrence Acupuncture Integrative Health Clinic

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will be painful. However, the needles used in acupuncture are filiform, rather than hypodermic needles; they are hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when inserted. When stimulated, the needles may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.

Acupuncture treatment creates deep relaxation
in both mind and body.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more than one treatment is often necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to feel relief after just the first one or two sessions, however the number to correct the issue may take longer. 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.

We typically recommend a series of three treatments to begin, where we can gauge how quickly your body is responding. From there, depending on the condition, your goals, and your response rate, your Acupuncturist can make a recommendation for continuing care.