Generally speaking, no! Acupuncture needles are really thin. Some people don't feel them at all, while others will notice a pinching or pricking sensation, tenderness, or achiness at the needle sites. These feelings are normal and will gradually decrease during the treatment or once the needle is removed.

Acupuncture naturally stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (aka "rest and digest mode") so overall it's quite relaxing. Some people even fall asleep during their treatments!

This is normal, and there are options!

Option 1: If you want to try acupuncture but are hesitant:

My approach is consent-led and trauma-informed, so I prioritize my clients' feelings of safety and comfort first and foremost. I can walk you through each step, use optional relaxation techniques to put you more at ease, and answer any questions along the way.

We will go slow and use gentle points and needling techniques to ease you into the acupuncture experience. If at any time you decide you're not comfortable, you are welcome to change your mind and move to no-needle techniques - see below.

Option 2: If you definitely don't want needles, but want the benefits of acupuncture:

In this case, book a no-needle treatment. This appointment uses techniques such as cupping, gua sha, acupressure massage, and ear seeds to stimulate acupuncture points for a similar therapeutic effect.

Because these techniques fall under the scope of acupuncture, they are billable under acupuncture benefits (when performed by a registered acupuncturist).

Before:

Make sure you fill out the intake form (sent to you by email) before your first appointment. You can find a link to this form in your booking confirmation emails.

Have a snack or light meal and some water before your treatment, but avoid heavy meals or alcohol.

What to wear:

Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Most treatments will use points on the lower arms and legs, as well as sometimes on the ears, head, abdomen or back, so loose clothing can be rolled up if needed.

Some people prefer to wear a tank top or sports bra for upper arms and shoulder conditions, or shorts for legs conditions. Regardless of what you wear, blankets are provided to keep you covered and warm.

You may also want to bring:

-Health benefits information for direct billing

-Your own music and headphones

-Waterbottle and snack for after your treatment

1. Intake, assessment and discussion:

First, we'll review your intake form and talk about what brings you in, and I will complete an assessment. We'll go over goals and expectations, and I will provide an idea of how many treatments may be needed to address your concerns, and answers any questions you have.

2. The treatment:

I'll leave and give you a moment to change or get comfortable on the acupuncture table, before returning to insert the needles. These will be left in for 15-45 minutes while you rest and relax. Blankets and a heat lamp are provided to keep you warm and cozy, and a pager is provided if you need assistance during the resting period. I may also apply cupping, guasha or ear seeds if appropriate for your condition.

3. After treatment:

I will remove the needles, and we'll discuss any home care recommendations such as herbal formulas, dietary protocols or self-acupressure techniques to support and increase your progress between appointments.

For most conditions an initial series of weekly treatments for 6-10 weeks is recommended to start. We will discuss a treatment plan at your first visit, based on your unique situation.

After the initial set of visits, we will re-evaluate, and a set of less frequent treatments (for example, once per month for a few months) may be recommended to sustain results.

The results of acupuncture are cumulative, so each treatment builds on the progress of previous treatments. Therefore, results are usually quickest and most sustained when a patient is able to commit to a regular set of treatments.

The number of treatments needed depends on the severity of the condition, how long it's been going on, the patient's overall health, and many other factors.