F.A.Q.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

When done by a trained and experienced practitioner, acupuncture should not hurt! At ACU 585, we use a very gentle Japanese insertion technique and very fine needles (about the width of a human hair). With this technique you will typically feel a light "tap" and that's about it.

While you typically shouldn't experince pain with acupuncture, that's not to say it is sensationless. Once the needle is inserted, you may feel a wide variety of sensations. It's very normal to feel a dull pressure, dull aching, throbbing, tinglilng, etc. For many people this is all an enjoyable (sometimes even fun) part of the experience.

You're more than welcome to share what you're feeling with your practitioner, in many cases what you're feeling can be very helpful diagnostically. However, if you're feeling any discomfort whatsoever with any of the sensations, we will happily adjust the needle or remove it all together. Your comfort is paramount.

I WANT TO TRY ACUPUNCTURE BUT HAVE A NEEDLE PHOBIA.

It's ok, and you're not alone. Believe it or not, our two lead practitioners actually also have needle phobias (as crazy as that sounds). That is to say, we're sensitive to needle phobias and will go to your comfort. We'll start with just one needle, if you're comfortable we'll continue with the treatment. If at any point you feel like you've had enough, you can feel fully comfortable letting your practitioner know, and that will be that! You're in complete control of the session. Worth keeping in mind, acupuncture can actually be a great tool to get more coomfortable with needles. It worked for us.

HOW LONG IS AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSION?

Your initial session will typically be a bit longer than a follow-up, we like to leave enough time to get to know your situation and develop a proper plan for your treatment. We typically reserve an hour and a half for your first session, however it may not neccesarily go that long, all depending on the complexity of the visit. Follow-up sessions will have you in and out within an hour.

DO I NEED A CONSULT BEFORE BOOKING MY FIRST SESSION?

No. If you've never been to the office before and are ready to get acupuncture, you can simply book your initial session through the booking site. If you have questions or concerns that require more than a quick phone call, text or email, you can feel free to book a viritual consult. We're happy to answer any questions about our services before booking if need be.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST SESSION?

Good question! We have a whole blog dedicated to this, feel free to give it a read HERE.

The quick version ...

Dress super comfortably (loose clothing is best) -- Have a snack and little water before your session -- Feel free to ask any questions you may have before, during or after your session -- Feel free to make any requests to make you as comfortable as possible -- Drink plenty of water after your session!

ARE THE NEEDLES STERILE?

Yes. All of the needles we use are single use and sterilized with Ethylene-Oxide Gas (ETO) in strict compliance with GMP, AAMI (American National), ISO 9002, CE Mark (European Common Market), and WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines.

Extensive sterility, biological, and chemical tests are performed on each production lot to validate that every needle is sterile, hygienic, and non-pyrogenic.

Additionally all of our practitioners are Clean Needle Technique certified, the highest global standard for needle handling.

CAN I RECEIVE ACUPUNCTURE WHILE PREGNANT?

Yes. Acupuncture is actually excellent for pregnant patients. In fact, one of our lead practitioners (Dr. Jacki) is a specilist in Women's Health and the care of patients before, during and after pregnancy. That said, there are points that are traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy so we will avoid those points during treatment (similar anatomical locations and techniques that are avoided by massage therapists, chiropractors, etc.). Aside from that, acupuncture provided by a trained practitioner during pregnancy is very safe and effective.

DO YOU OFFER MOBILE ACUPUNCTURE AND HOUSE CALLS?

We do. Please visit this LINK to learn more.

HOW LONG IS AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSSION?

We typically leave an hour and 1/2 for your first acupuncture session, follow-ups will generally take an hour, start to finish. You will typically have needles set for 20-30 minutes.