Accupuncture - What should I expect?

[eastkygal]

I have my first visit to an accupuncturist scheduled. I'm kind of nervous. I don't know anyone who has had it personally. I am also very anxious about needles of the blood drawing sort. However, being tattooed wasn't scary at all. So, I guess I'm asking what will the needles feel like? Will I feel energy move and will it help me relax, or will I be laying there anticipating the next prick?
I have read some people describe it as intense and releasing. I'd like to be a little more mentally prepared than I am. Thanks.

[Doodlebugsmom]

I'm a bit of a needle-phobe myself. I've fainted numerous times during shots, blookwork, dental work, tattoos, piercings, etc. (Yeah. I've fainted a lot!) I have a few family members who are acupuncturists, so on family vacations or get-togethers someone is always getting a treatment. I've had it done, and while I could feel energy when my uncle would turn the needles and when he removed them. There was absolutely no pain at all throughout. It was an interesting sensation, but nothing that even remotely made me feel like fainting. Dh just had a treatment on our family vacation to the beach. It was his first, and he thought it was extremely relaxing. Nothing negative at all.

Good luck! I think you'll be just fine. I can't imagine you'll be anticipating each prick. My guess is after the first one you'll really be able to relax.

[CarrieMF]

It's a slight prick. There may be a spot or 2 that will hurt more though they should tell you ahead of time.

While the needles are in it won't be pain UNLESS you move that muscle. I really don't recommend that.lol

[mbravebird]

Most of the time you don't feel it at all when it goes in. They're hair-breadth needles, and flexible. I think I've felt it as uncomfortable only once. It's just a little tap, and then on to the next.

The experience is often extremely relaxing. I often fall deeply asleep. I have gotten emotional before, too -- I think that was more in the beginning, when old stuff got stirred up.

I bet you'll love it! Enjoy.

[MAMom]

I'm not crazy about needles either, but I LOVE acupuncture. I've been going on a regular (every 2-4 weeks) basis for 6 years now.

My first acupuncturist used a tool to put in the needles (sorry, I don't know what it's called) but my current one inserts them by hand. I prefer them going in by hand.

I usually talk to her while they are being inserted, so I don't notice most of them going in. When one goes into a spot that needs the energy moved, there can be stinging/burning. Sometimes they will turn/twist them or wait a moment to see if it subsides (which it usually does). Definitely speak up if they are uncomfortable, because they can always remove and reinsert.

I feel very relaxed during the session, and she has music playing and offers a neck warmer and blanket, along with heat from the heat lamp on feet or areas that need more attention. She has clients relax with needles in for 30 minutes, then another 30 minutes with needles inand does cranial sacral therapy, which is wonderful!

Occasionally at the end of a session my vision is blurry for 15-30 minutes (usually after a really needed session) and it is apparently within the range of normal.

[JayGee]

Not painful at all. Just make sure you use the bathroom before they start. My first treatment I had to pee SO badly the entire time !