Category: Acupuncture

Getting Acupuncture for the first time!

Whether you’ve heard of really bad or good stories, I am going to explain and clear the air. Here are some things to be aware of when receiving acupuncture.

1) Pain
– Acupuncture should never be too painful. If it is, it should always be modified and
tailored to what you are comfortable with.
– The needling sensations you should feel:

•  Initial insertion of the needle (feels like a little pinch)
• nothing at all and/or deep, dull, heavy ache (this is very good reaction)

– sharp and stabbing sensations are not good
2) Location
– Hands, feet, and creases are generally more sensitive
-Larger muscle groups tend to be less sensitive
3) Type of needle
– Needles vary in terms of thickness and length.

• For example, the most common one I use is 25 mm in length and 0.25 mm in
  thickness. Very thin!
• Longer needles are for bigger tissues, smaller ones for smaller tissues (depends
  on practitioners’ comfort)

-A syringe is different than an acupuncture needle. They say syringes tear through
muscle as opposed to acupuncture needles that separate or thread through muscle.
From experience, people often link the two together, but they are nowhere similar.

Acupuncture needles are nothing to be afraid of! As long as there is open communication with the
practitioner on comfort levels and pain, acupuncture can be a great way to effectively and safely treat
your condition.

Find out more about our Registered Acupuncturist: Jonathan Chang and book your free 15 minute meet & greet today!