SUN SPRING ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when I insert them. When I gently stimulate the needles they 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 then one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 10 to 15 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few. 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.

What do I need to know before and after my acupuncture session?

📌Before Treatment

✅ Eat a light meal at least 1–2 hours before your session. Avoid coming on an empty stomach to prevent dizziness or lightheadedness.
t Stay hydrated, but avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol before treatment.
✅ Wear loose and comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
✅ Avoid heavy exercise or strenuous activity right before your session.
✅ Inform your practitioner if you are pregnant, taking blood thinners, or have any medical conditions.

📌 After Treatment

✅ Rest and relax for the rest of the day, if possible. Avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours.
✅ Stay hydrated by drinking warm water or herbal tea to aid circulation and detoxification.
✅ Avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least a few hours after treatment, as they may interfere with the effects.
✅ Keep your body warm and avoid exposure to cold drafts or extreme weather.
✅ Listen to your body – if you feel fatigued, take it easy. Some people may experience slight soreness or temporary sensations at needle sites, which is normal.
✅ Observe changes and communicate with your practitioner about how you feel in the next few days.