Introduction to Acupuncture

To Jessi Fetterling: The levels of sensation, pleasant or not, will be different for each person, depending on the points needled, symptoms, how tender the particular point is, and of course the style of the acupuncturist.
Japanese needles tend to be thinner and more subtle sensation. If you are a bit queasy about needles and can find an acupuncturist specializing in Japanese, that might be your best bet.
Also communication with your acupuncturist is key: if you experience pain during the procedure, say something. Share as much information about your symptoms during the intake as you can, so that your acupuncturist can use the information to needle the points that will be most effective for your treatment.

Acupuncture is wonderful, but at $75 or $100 per treatment, it is out of the reach of many people. There is now a movement within the acupuncture profession to make acupuncture a lot more affordable. It's called Community Acupuncture, and began with a clinic in Portland, Oregon called Working Class Acupuncture. I have been a community acupuncturist for over two years now -- it is a way to combine my values, and my belief that health care is a right, not a privilege, with this great form of medicine. Community Acupuncturists charge on a sliding scale -- somewhere in the range of $15-$40 per visit -- and folks pay what they feel they can afford in that range. There is a non profit group, the Community Acupuncture Network, that lists community style practices around the country on its web site. www.communityacupuncturenetwork.org

Accupuncture is probably the single most beneficial "pro active" method to healing that is available. Many American doctors do not treat people in a proactive manner- many times things are reactive (after we have been diagnosed). Accupuncture has many many uses and brings the body into balance. A lot of people are fearful of accupuncture due to the word "needles". Rest assured- the needle is less painful than a bee or mosquito bite by far! People must get past fears in order ot be healed. The feeling of accupuncture is thee isnt one. People think that there is a defined pain or "feeling" of the needles and there really is no physical "feeling". The needle is so small that it never causes pain- however the sensitivity of it stimulates the nervous system and other organs for healing. I was able to get my girlfirend to try it (who was very fearful)... but even she noticed results and went back. Accupuncture IS for everyone who wants to be proactive in their health without having to rely on drugs that only cover up the symptoms of disease and pain :)

Acupunture has been the most effective treatment that I have tryed for my pain. I have used it to treat tendonitis, knee pain, back pain, foot pain, and it also helps my circulation. Release the Qi! Unfortunatly pretty much no health insurance will cover this, they would rather pay to keep us addicted to pain killers. Anyone who has pain should try acupuncture it is much better than being on pills.

(from Michael Castleman)
Many acupuncturists attach TENS units, low-level electric current, to needles. They say it improves results. Obviously, it didn't for you. My suggestion: Next time you go for acupuncture, ask the practitioner not to use a TENS unit on you.
mc

(from Michael Castleman)
When acupuncture needles are inserted, you feel little pinches. You notice them, but it doesn't hurt. Sometimes, acupuncturists attach clips to the needles and channel low-level electricity through them. This aids healing. You feel a little tingling, but no pain.
mc

I have been having acupuncture for menopausal symptoms. For three years hot flashes have been the bane of my existence--I've tried hormone replacement therapy, supplements, soy, progesterone cream--you name it. Nothing worked! I was having hot flashes so bad that sometimes I thought I would pass out, and I was tired of constantly being sweaty, and yes, stinky! Long story short, I heard of an acupuncturist through a friend, I have had four treatments and she prescribed Chinese herbs for two weeks, and my symptoms are GREATLY alleviated. Usually the treatment is absolutely painless, but one treatment was slightly painful and I asked her about this--she said my system was depleted for some reason. Well, I had donated blood a couple of days before and it always takes me about a week to get back to normal afterwards. I'm going to continue treatments for a while longer. I haven't felt this good in a long time.

Over the past 20 plus years I've had acupuncture to relieve migraines, lower back pain, toothache and tea from different herbs, etc. to lower my blood pressure and it all worked. The only issue I had was when I went to a western dude in Montreal for acupuncture to get rid of a nasty migraine. He used the needles in conjunction with a TENS unit and I went out in worse shape than when I went in. Every other time I had great results! Acupressure seems to work for me too. I’d highly recommend trying it.

I have been using acupuncture for the past three years for various problems including back pain, stomach problems, shoulder injury and most recently knee pain and have had much success. A relative of mine was having some issues with anxiety and she saw my Dr. for 4 sessions with great results.

In response to the needle issue -- I will say that sometimes I don't feel a thing -- and then other times I feel a tingling sensation -- like a slight current of electricity. Once in a while I experience a mild burning sensation but the little bit of occasional mild discomfort is worth every bit of healing I get from acupuncture. I am so glad I finally got the "nerve" to try it back then!!

I can't say enough positive things about acupuncture. I originally tried it two years ago to treat endometryosis. I tried it as a last ditch effort to prevent me from having a hysterectomy and wasn't sure it would work. Well, not only did it work for that, it helped my plantar fasciitis pain, my back pain and helped me loose weight and gain energy. I then took my son for pretty severe asthma and within three sessions he was off ALL medications and went through an entire cold/flu season with a nebulizer! Prior to treatment, he was on them almost daily. It works!! Not sure how, but it does.

I've always been very interested in acupuncture, especially after reading lots of articles about how beneficial it can be. However, I'm a little cautious about needles, and I've never met someone or found a good enough written explanation that could provide me with information about what exactly acupuncture feels like. I'm just wondering if anyone can explain the actual process because it would make me feel a lot better about actually going and doing it myself.