Your first acupuncture appointment: what to expect
How the needles feel, how long it takes, what licensed acupuncturists train for, and the questions worth asking before you book.
Acupuncture is a practice from Chinese medicine in which very fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed at specific points on the body. In the United States most states license acupuncturists, and you will usually see the letters L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist) after their name.
Before the needles: the intake
Your first visit is usually the longest, often 60 to 90 minutes. The acupuncturist will ask about your health, sleep, digestion, stress and why you came in. Many also look at your tongue and feel your pulse at both wrists. Be honest about medications, pregnancy and any bleeding disorder, because these change how they work.
How it feels
The needles are far thinner than the ones used for injections. Most people feel a tiny tap as each one goes in, then nothing, or a dull, heavy or tingling feeling around the point. Once the needles are placed you rest, often for 20 to 40 minutes, sometimes with a heat lamp or quiet music. Many people find this part very relaxing.
Things that are often offered alongside
- Cupping. Glass or silicone cups that gently lift the skin. They can leave round marks for a few days.
- Moxibustion. A warming herb (mugwort) burned near the skin.
- Tui na or gua sha. Hands-on massage or scraping techniques.
- Herbal formulas. Some acupuncturists are also trained in Chinese herbal medicine. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take.
Private or community clinic?
Private treatment rooms give you one-to-one time. Community acupuncture clinics treat several people at once in recliners in a shared, quiet room, usually on a sliding scale, which makes regular visits much more affordable.
Questions worth asking
- Are you licensed in this state, and are you nationally certified (for example NCCAOM)?
- Do you use single-use, sterile needles? (The answer should always be yes.)
- How many sessions do you usually suggest, and how will we know if it is helping?
- Do you work alongside doctors, physical therapists or midwives?
- Do you take insurance or offer a superbill? Some plans cover acupuncture.
Acupuncture should sit alongside care from your doctor, not replace it. Keep your doctor informed, especially if you are pregnant, on blood thinners or have a pacemaker.