What can I expect during my Acupuncture treatments?

	The average session usually lasts 45-75 minutes; your first appointment usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The number of treatments depends, of course, on your condition and how well you respond. For some chronic or complex problems, you may need a 1 to 2 sessions a week for several months. Some conditions require maintenance therapy, just as they do in Western medicine.
	If you have had bad experiences with shots and drawing blood, acupuncture will be different. Acupuncture needles are smooth and solid; hypodermic needles are hollow with cutting edges. This makes insertion much less painful and reduces the likelihood of bruising.
	You may feel something akin to a mosquito bite, or perhaps a dull ache, numbness, a tingling or a warm feeling.
	During most treatments, the needles are inserted then immediately removed but for some treatments needles are left in for 10-45 minutes. Once the needles are in place -you probably won’t feel anything. However, you need to stay relatively still and relaxed, since you could feel achy or tight in the needle spots if you move suddenly or you tighten your muscles.
	If you are uncomfortable, tell your Acupuncture Physician. If you feel faint, dizzy, nauseated, become short of breath or break into a cold sweat, speak up. It’s often a function of nervousness, but your practitioner can readjust or withdraw the needles if necessary.
	Some of these side effects indicate the acupuncture is starting to work, and they don’t last for long. If they do, talk to your regular health care professional and your Acupuncture Physician. Often, the first one or two treatments may leave you deeply relaxed or even mildly disoriented. You should also take precautions while driving, especially after the first several sessions.
	Emotionally speaking, most patients feel relaxed, energetic or even cheerful after treatment.