Post by babygirlpriest on Jan 8, 2014 10:41:12 GMT -5
I've had two very distinct experiences. This is just my experience, and I was being treated for infertility but here goes:
1. I needed to wear a tank top and pants that could be pulled down and legs rolled up. Again, I was being treated for IF but I had needles in my belly, calves, shoulders, arms, head, face, feet, hands... everywhere. 2. Your first session will probably include a full health history including some questions a doc might not ask. After the consult, you'll either be left to put on a robe/paper shirt/etc. and lay down or will be instructed to remain clothed and lay down (I've had both experiences). 3. One place the needles hurt - but even then, it was like a pin prick but once they were in I didn't feel a thing. The other place I was 'aware' of the needles going in but certainly no pain. 4. One place used moxa (https://www.google.com/search?q=acupuncture+moxa+herb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=FXHNUtWyKtagsQS9vYCYDg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=731) and that can hurt. It's glued to your body and smolders to ash. It left a line of blisters down my belly that scarred and took 3 years to fade. 5. It's not relaxing like a massage, but in a weird way that zen, relaxed feeling you get post massage can also happen post ac.
I think that's it for the quick and dirty of my experience. GL
Post by emilyinchile on Jan 8, 2014 10:55:37 GMT -5
I hate needles and am fine with acupuncture. Once you've had a conversation about what exactly you're there for and have been examined (stuff like taking your pulse in different places, looking at your tongue, some basic medical-style questions), they'll put the needles in and then leave you for about 20 min. It's pretty relaxing to just lie in a dark room for 20 minutes regardless of the treatment!
I hope it also fixes whatever you need fixing. I have gone a few times for different reasons and had good results for grinding my teeth/jaw pain and headache but no effect on my back (compressed disk).
I've gone several times in the past, including pre and post op and I had a fabulous experience. The worst I felt was a 'zing' as some of the needles were placed, but once they were in there was no problem. I found it very relaxing overall.
Post by heliocentric on Jan 9, 2014 15:30:27 GMT -5
I love acupuncture. I've gone for specific things (a weird muscle pain in my shoulder, hip pain) and vague things (frequent UTIs). It absolutely helped the muscle stuff and I have no idea if it actually did anything for the UTI prevention, but it was so relaxing it was still worth it.
I don't find the needles painful, but sometimes you will feel a quick shock if they hit a nerve. This is weird because the shock isn't always where they are putting the needle. That's rare, though. In certain spots I feel an aching type sensation. I think this is supposed to be a good thing since my acupuncturist will ask me if he's found the "right spot." The sensation varies depending on the location--there are some I don't feel at all.
For my issues I have always been clothed, but do sometimes have to lower my pants a bit or expose my stomach. The points they need to access will vary depending on what is being treated.
My guy always offers to turn on heat lamps for my feet and hands, which I love because my feet are always cold.
Once the needles are in resist the urge to move around or you might feel a prickly sensation. Just relax and rest if you can. When I leave I feel like I'm stoned, but clear-headed. If it wasn't so pricey I'd go all the time!
Post by lifetaketwo on Jan 9, 2014 16:31:57 GMT -5
You guys it worked... I couldn't/can't believe it, but I am so much better. I know ill never be pain-free, but I'm pretty much back to my everyday norm.
She found all my knots and stuck needles directly in them. It hurt soooo bad. I jumped almost every time. The needles that went in the non-knotted muscles didn't hurt at all. About and hour after the session maybe 75% of the knots were gone or significantly smaller.
Post by secretlyevil on Jan 9, 2014 17:18:24 GMT -5
I was a complete skeptic but finally got desperate enough with my allergies to try anything. A year later and I still don't know how it works, I don't care, it's amazing.