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Call (852) 2526 7908   |   Whatsapp (852) 9855 2840   |   Email: info@chinesemed.hk   |   Room 1003, Winway Building, 50 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong

  • Writer's pictureHealth Wise Chinese Medicine Consultancy Ltd

Does Acupuncture Hurt? What To Expect For Your First Visit

Welcome to Health Wise, a clinic that specializes in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. If you're considering acupuncture for the first time, we understand that you may have questions and uncertainties about the treatment process.


Rest assured that it's normal to feel a little uncertain, and we're here to provide you with all the necessary information you'll need to put your mind at ease and come fully prepared for your first or next session.


If you're interested to learn more about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, visit our acupuncture page. You can also learn more about what to expect on your first visit.


Health Wise is a Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture clinic located in Central Hong Kong with over thirty years of experience. We aim to deliver the best Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments in the city. Feel free to contact us today, our friendly staff will be happy to help you make an appointment:


Call: +852 2526 7908

Whatsapp: +852 9855 2840

Email: info@chinesemed.hk

Website: www.chinesemed.hk



Article Contents:


What is Acupuncture?



Acupuncture at Health Wise Chinese Medicine Consultancy For Chronic Pain Relief
Acunpcture What To Expect Health Wise Chinese Medicine Consultancy


What Is Acupuncture?


Acupuncture, a healing therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points along the meridians of the body to stimulate the flow of "qi" energy and encourage the body's natural healing processes. The underlying anatomical basis for acupoints and meridians is now believed to be the fascia network, as supported by modern research (learn more here).


The efficacy of acupuncture in relieving pain has been widely recognized, with a 2013 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealing a 50% reduction in pain experienced by patients who received acupuncture treatments (study of acupuncture relieving pain). This treatment modality has gained popularity; with over 3 million Americans opting for acupuncture annually, and being even more prevalent in France, where one in five people have already tried acupuncture.


To achieve optimal results, complementary treatments such as Herbal Therapy, Moxibustion, and Cupping may be used in tandem with acupuncture. These therapies work together to provide holistic support and aid in the body's natural healing process. If you are seeking an effective and time-tested healing solution, acupuncture could be the answer you have been looking for.


Common Concerns


One of the biggest apprehensions that first-time patients have when it comes to acupuncture is whether it hurts. The short answer is no, and the long answer is that acupuncture is intended to treat pain, not cause it. If anything, first-time patients find that their concerns over treatment melt away just as quickly as their stress and pain does.


Some people avoid acupuncture because they are concerned about the level of pain associated with needles, but this is a common misconception. When performed by an experienced professional pracitioner, acupuncture should not hurt at all. In fact, acupuncture is often so relaxing that people fall asleep during the treatment.


Acupuncture is commonly used to alleviate daily aches and injuries such as lower back issues, muscle stiffness, tension headaches, and more. Moreover, acupuncture is scientifically proven to provide relief beyond physical health. For example, if you suffer from depression or anxiety, acupuncture can balance your hormones and boost your overall mood. Studies have also shown that acupuncture can improve your sleep cycle and promote relaxation.




What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?


Acupuncture needles are hair-thin. You may notice some sensation when the needles are being inserted, but it is often not a painful one. Occasionally you may feel a pinch that lasts a few seconds. It is most common to feel nothing at all.


During the treatment, many patients report a warming or tingling sensation that provides a general feeling of peace, comfort, and happiness. Other commonly reported mild sensations include:


- Heat/Warmth

- Heaviness

- Tightening

- Slight twitching

- Throbbing

- Dull ache



What Does It Mean When Acupuncture Hurts?


Keep in mind that the experience will be different for each individual depending on their unique condition. Some acupuncture points may be more sensitive than others. If you have very tight muscles it can feel more sensitive.


In addition, acu-points along your extremities where there are more nerve endings, or where there is less skin can result in sharper sensations. Ultimately if a needle does hurt let your pracitioner know so that they can adjust the needle accordingly.


After each acupuncture session, you can expect to feel lighter, calmer, and more connected with your body. The release of tension alone can result in tangible relief.



What To Expect At Health Wise?


At the start of your treatment, our professional licensed practitioner will evaluate your health and discuss any specific injuries or ailments that you’re looking to treat.


Next, your pracitioner will insert around 15-30 acupuncture needles into acupuncture points located along Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians on the legs, arms, torso, and/or head. These needles will be left in place for about 30 minutes. Oftentimes as the pain melts away the acupuncture treatment can feel so relaxing that patients fall asleep.


If you have opted for cupping and/or moxibustion, the practitioner will also provide these treatments in conjunction throughout the session. If herbal therapy is required for your condition you can expect to receive a unique TCM herbal formula catered to your pattern of symptoms from our curated dispensary.


Your first acupuncture treatment may feel more intense than your follow-up appointments because these points are being “woken up” for the first time, and because you may be nervous.



Risks & Considerations Of Acupuncture


As with any therapeutic treatment, acupuncture does come with risks and side effects.

Health Wise has over 30+ years of clinical experience providing patients with leading acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments in Central Hong Kong and our experienced practitioners will help to guide you through the process.


It is important to consult with a licenced and experienced practitioner if you have a bleeding disorder, are taking blood thinners, are pregnant, or use a pacemaker as these conditions require special attention to reduce risks of complications during acupuncture treatment.


At Health Wise we maintain a high standard of hygiene and are committed to providing you with a safe and comfortable environment for effective acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture needles are disposed of after one-time use at our clinic. We use sterile needle which we dispose of after each use, as non-sterile needles can lead to infection or disease. Working with our licensed practitioners significantly reduces these risks.


Other treatment related side effects may include bruising, bleeding, mild discomfort or aching sensation at the acupuncture point, fatigue, soreness, and lightheadedness.



Conclusion


Acupuncture is a scientifically-proven method that can help your body detox, relax, and heal. Our expert practitioners are dedicated to providing you with the best acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies to help you achieve optimal health.


Don't worry if you're new to acupuncture. With over 30+ years of experience, our team will guide you through every step of the way.


If you're hesitant about trying acupuncture, we offer other excellent alternatives such as moxibustion, cupping therapy, herbal therapy and more. We understand that everyone's needs are unique, which is why we offer personalized treatments to ensure the best results for each of our clients.


At Health Wise, we are committed to your wellness journey. With our expert team, personalized treatments, and cutting-edge therapies, you can feel confident in your decision to invest in your health.


Book your appointment today and experience the healing power of Traditional Chinese Medicine.


Call: +852 2526 7908

Whatsapp: +852 9855 2840

Email: info@chinesemed.hk

Website: www.chinesemed.hk





Acupuncture Treatments at Health Wise


Acupuncture treatments by our certified practitioners are both safe and effective. You can opt for the acupuncture-only session, or add Cupping/Moxibustion/Herbal Therapy to your acupuncture session.


The benefits of acupuncture compound over time, and can yield long-term health benefits. Thank you once again for reading this short article. For inquiries you can follow this link to contact us.



Learn More About Chinese Medicine


Visit our Health Wise Blog, we have several informative articles to help our patients. Here's a series of articles that we think may be beneficial:




We aim to continue to provide more useful Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture information at our Health Wise Chinese Medicine's Newsletter page.


Visit this link here to find other blog articles.

Keep up to date with our latest articles by following our social media!



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