Acupuncture
Acupuncture places hair-thin needles at set points on the body. Here is a first visit.
What happens at a first session
Pulse and tongue
The practitioner asks questions, feels the pulse at both wrists and looks at your tongue. That is how Chinese medicine reads a person.
The needles go in
You feel a quick prick, then perhaps a dull ache or heaviness called deqi. Sharp or burning pain is not the goal, so speak up.
Lie still and rest
The needles stay while you rest. Then they are removed and thrown away. A small bruise is common.
Zhen is the needle. Jiu is the heat of moxa.
Acupuncture does not replace medical care. See a licensed practitioner who uses sterile, single-use needles. Tell them if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, or have a bleeding disorder or pacemaker.
Good to know
Does acupuncture hurt?
Usually very little. The needles are far thinner than the ones used for a blood draw. Most people feel a brief prick, then a dull ache or nothing at all.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Sometimes. It depends on your plan, and Original Medicare covers it only for chronic low back pain under set conditions. Call your insurer before booking.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
The tool is similar, but the idea differs. Acupuncture follows Chinese medicine's points and channels. Dry needling is a Western technique aimed at muscle trigger points, often done by physical therapists.
