Frequently Asked Question about Acupuncture in Encino, CA 

There are a number of sensations that can occur during acupuncture treatment. Most of the time, patients do not feel anything when the needles are inserted. Sometimes there can be a prick or pinch. Often, there is an aching sensation after the needles have been placed- this is a good indication that the needles are stimulating the nerves underlying the skin. On rare occasions, more painful sensations such as burning or sharp pain (like a bee sting) are felt.

Depending on the condition being treated, clothing may need to be removed to reach important acupuncture points. Upon arriving at our clinic, you’ll be taken into the exam office where initial questioning and examination will take place. Health questions regarding the history of your condition and your general health history will be asked. A treatment plan will be established and discussed. After your report of findings, you will have your first acupuncture treatment!

No, your belief, or lack of belief, in acupuncture has no bearing on your results. Acupuncture has specific effects on the neurology of the body and your beliefs regarding acupuncture will not affect how the needles affect your nerves.

Yes, acupuncture is very safe when performed by licensed acupuncturists with adequate training. It is important that you see a licensed acupuncturist with the proper training to avoid injury.

This depends on a number of factors including a patient’s age, general health status, and the condition being treated. There is no absolute way to predict the number of treatments you will need to feel better. Some patients have results in a few treatments, while others need long-term acupuncture care. At minimum, you should expect to have 2-4 visits before you see any improvements and up to 8-10 visits before major results start to set in.

If you have a needle phobia or are very anxious before your first treatment, it may be best to try other East Asian Medicine modalities first before acupuncture. We can try electrical stimulation, cupping, gua sha, herbs, or massage instead of needles, until you are more comfortable with the idea of acupuncture.

It depends on the condition, anywhere from 4 needles to 30 needles.

YES! All acupuncture needles used are sterilized during their manufacturing process and then sealed in sterile packaging. Once a needle is used, it is disposed of in a sharps disposal container never to be used again.

Yes- children respond very well (and quickly) to acupuncture treatment. Depending on the child’s age and the condition being treated, different (smaller) needles and treatment modalities are used. Pediatric acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions including behavior problems, immune system conditions, growing aches and pains, digestion issues, asthma/ allergies, and bedwetting.

Yes- acupuncture is covered under most insurances but not all

Aside from feeling good, there are few side effects of acupuncture treatment. Sometimes, people experience an “acupuncture high,” which is a result of the endorphins released during acupuncture treatment. This acupuncture high may leave you feeling dizzy, woozy, and unbalanced for a little while after treatment. This is part of the beneficial effects of acupuncture in reducing pain, but may be unnerving the first time you experience it.

It depends- if you are taking Chinese herbs prescribed to you from a licensed acupuncturist/ herbalist with proficient training in Chinese medicine, taking Chinese herbs can be very safe. However, trying Chinese herbs that are not prescribed to you may lead to a variety of side effects, some which can be dangerous. It is important to make sure that if you are going to take Chinese herbs that you only take what is prescribed by a reputable, licensed professional who sells herbs from a reputable source.

Make sure you have eaten a meal prior to acupuncture and are not dehydrated. Wear loose comfortable clothes that can be moved or removed to access acupuncture points that may be covered by clothing.

Do not skip your acupuncture treatment because you have a cold or the flu. Acupuncture and associated modalities can be effective in giving your immune system a boost to eliminate the virus and the duration of your illness can be reduced. Unless you cannot get to the clinic safely (say you cannot drive to the clinic), keep your appointment and let’s knock out that cold!