No. The needles are really tiny and inserted carefully into very specific points. Occasionally there can be unfamiliar sensations that might be startling, but there is little to no pain.

Acupuncture is a very effective treatment for several conditions. My favorite way to answer this question is that it treats people. This medicine was developed long before the western medical names of diseases were even invented. It treats the body, the mind, and the connection between the two. Through controlled clinical trials, the World Health Organization has determined acupuncture is effective in treating a wide variety of conditions and diseases.

This varies on what is being treated. It is common to come once a week. When you reach your desired state of health, you come less frequently. With more acute conditions like injuries or getting sick, it is better to come more frequently until the acute phase is over - this could be up to a few times a week. For chronic conditions, you may come 1-2 times a week for a longer period.

I would encourage you to try it anyway. Acupuncture needles are not the same as needles in hospitals. “Hypodermic” needles are rigid needles of varying sizes that are hollow so fluid can flow through them. Acupuncture needles are “filiform” which means thread like. They are less rigid than hypodermic and they are not hollow. Most people don’t notice them once they have been inserted.

Everyone treats a little bit different. The most typical experience will include an intake portion where you discuss your health related history, concerns, and goals. Then you get comfortable on a treatment table (either face up or face down depending on what is being treated). Sometimes you need to remove some articles of clothing so the acupuncturist has access to certain points but you are covered with sheets and/or towels much like a massage. The needles are inserted and you are left to rest for 20-30 minutes. During your rest time, you can fall asleep, meditate, or just relax. The needles are removed and you’re done!

Make sure you are not hungry. You don’t have to eat right before, but if you tend to feel the effects of low blood sugar, this may be exacerbated during or after the treatment.

Wear something comfortable. You may need to remove some articles of clothing so there is unobstructed access to certain acupuncture points, but you will always be draped with sheets and/or towels.

Try not to be rushed. One of the goals during treatment is to allow your nervous system to reach a parasympathetic state. The longer you can maintain that state the better.

Nope. Acupuncture is based on the philosophy that there are channels/meridian/pathways that run through the body and connect to different organ systems. We don’t have to needle the organ’s exact location to elicit a response from that system, we can use points along the pathway that associates with the organ system.

Dry needling is the use of acupuncture needles to elicit a response from a specific muscle typically performed by individuals with minimal training in the field of acupuncture. It can be very effective for certain muscle related problems, but it is a mere “needle in the haystack” of the capabilities of acupuncture as a holistic approach to medicine. It is a reductionist approach to a very comprehensive system.