Acupuncture has been used for over 2,500 years to naturally relieve pain, restore health, and nurture well-being. It is a component of Chinese medicine that uses hair-thin needles into certain points along the body to help with things such as overall wellness, pain, stress, and more. Here, Anna Lunaria, licensed acupuncturist at Yin Rising Acupuncture in Tempe (YinRising.com), answers some of the most commonly asked questions about it.
Does it hurt?
Many people are afraid of needles. I explain that while many of us associate needles with injections and blood draws, those needles are much thicker than an acupuncture needle. The needles we prefer at Yin Rising Acupuncture are as thin as hair. Most people find acupuncture painless.
Are needles reused?
No, all our needles come in sterile packages and are disposed of in a Sharps container.
Do I keep my clothes on?
It depends on what we are treating. If you do remain clothed, it’s best to wear clothes that are easy to roll up past the knee and elbow. If we’re treating back or hip pain, then yes, clothes are generally removed.
How long are treatments?
It depends on what we are treating, and your age, state of health, and preferences. Treatments can be as quick as 20 minutes, while some can be 90 minutes. Generally, an acupuncture treatment lasts 45 minutes—10 to 15 minutes to insert the needles with 25 to 30 minutes of resting while the needles remain in place. MRI studies indicate that after 30 minutes, the brain stops responding to acupuncture stimuli.
How old do you have to be to receive it?
My youngest patient was 3 weeks old (colic) and my oldest patient was 94.
How many sessions do I need to see a difference?
While most patients do feel a difference within one treatment, acupuncture is a physiological process, not a magic treatment. Most chronic conditions can take 10 to 20 treatments. Research shows that acupuncture works best when received two to three times per week. The best part is that the benefits of acupuncture are often long-lasting.
"While most patients do feel a difference within one treatment, acupuncture is a physiological process, not a magic treatment. ... The best part is that the benefits of acupuncture are often long-lasting."