What can I expect on the first office visit and acupuncture treatment at Ideal Balance in Tampa, FL?

I’ve never had acupuncture before. What is it like?

It's not like getting a shot. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, so slender that they can bend like the fibers in a hairbrush, and are not hollow. Some people report little to no sensation or a pleasant buzzing sensation. Others describe a sense of pressure or heaviness at the point of insertion. Because the needles are thin, most of the time, any sensation you feel will be not at the skin but beneath the skin where the needle is doing its work.

How many needles are used? How long does it take?

You may have seen television commercials or movies featuring patients covered in thousands of needles. This exaggeration is usually for comic effect; in real life, traditional acupuncture treatment frequently uses no more than a dozen needles at a time, sometimes fewer. These small handful of needles often are inserted in matching pairs at points on each side of the body. They may be left in for 15 minutes or a little longer as needed. The acupuncturist will remove them and may insert additional rounds with you lying in a different position. A frequent scenario is a set of needles while the patient is face down, then another face-up. Each patient's case is unique, and your acupuncturist will discuss with you what he plans to do before proceeding.

In any case, the acupuncturist will take a couple of minutes to insert the needles, ensure you are comfortable, and then withdraw from the room while you relax. The acupuncturist will check in on you to confirm you're okay and may "tweak" the needles once or twice before removing them.

I’m afraid of needles, what do you suggest?

Often, a simple demonstration of the needle technique by the acupuncturist is enough to reassure a new patient, or he can modify the needling method to minimize nervousness. However, there may be instances where intense fear and tension will negatively impact results or traumatize the patient.

Acupuncture works by opening blockages, creating a softening and relaxation at the site of the needle, thus creating a therapeutic effect along various pathways of circulation along this needle site. Therefore, if the patient cannot relax due to extreme fear of needles, the resulting tension can undermine treatment results, and other options might be best. In such cases, your acupuncturist will choose an alternative treatment that achieves similar results. Options include modern clinical deep tissue massage techniques or Traditional Chinese Medicine manual treatments, such as cupping and guasha, which do not pierce the skin.