Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture is a gentle treatment. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort. It is usually a comfortable treatment. Acupuncture needles are very fine, metallic, and as thin as a hair, making them quite painless upon insertion. Everyone experiences acupuncture differently, but most feel no pain or very minimal pain as the needles are inserted. You may experience a mild aching sensation or warmth around the needle site.

Does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture can be used to treat people of all ages from children to seniors. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for pain. It is the stimulation, by insertion of needles, of specific points on the body which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones. Acupuncture affects the functioning of the hormonal system, promotes a decrease in inflammation, increased circulation and relief from pain.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment with very few adverse effects and complications from its use. The York Acupuncture Safety Study, a prospective study of 34,407 acupuncture treatments found no serious adverse effects and only 43 cases of mild adverse effects, the most common of which were nausea and fainting.

Are the needles clean? Are they re-used?

Practitioners are taught to use single-use, sterile disposable needles and they have been trained regarding precautions and contraindications to acupuncture. At Promedma, your health and safety is our primary concern. All needles are new from a sterile package and disposed of in the safest manor possible.  

What should I expect after the treatment?

Most patients feel pleasantly relaxed and refreshed after an acupuncture treatment. Patients who were experiencing pain before the acupuncture session are often pleasantly surprised to find their discomfort greatly reduced after the treatment.