What Happens During an Acupuncture Treatment?

Have you ever wondered what goes on during the treatment?

Maybe you always wanted to try acupuncture but are intimidated by the unknown.

Well, my friend…I’m here for you! Let’s break it down.

✨The first treatment is a little special and different from all the other ones. This is where we get to know each other! ✨

We get to sit down together and get into it. We will start by talking about what brings you in - the main complaint. From there we will fill in the gaps. I want all the juicy details! You got pain - I want to know where, how does it feel, how long it’s been there, what makes it better or worse. You’re having digestive issues - we’ll talk about bloating, hunger, poop, eating habits.. and so on.

Aside form your main issue, I will ask you details of many other things.

At this point you might start wondering, why is this lady asking me about my sleep when I’m coming in for my right ear hurting?! This is because Eastern Medicine is all about the whole person. For me, nothing exists on it’s own. Everything is part of a bigger pattern.

After our thorough talk, and with your permission, I will feel your pulses and look at your tongue 💗 👅

The pulses are felt on both sides with 3 fingers. There is a whole system of things that your pulse can tell me. I’m looking for various qualities of the way your blood vessel hits each of my fingers.

When you stick out your tongue at me, I promise this is not just for my amusement. Tongues are a great reflection of your body. You’d be surprised how different they can look from person to person or by how similarly various conditions reflect on the tongue. Here, I’m looking for color, coat, and shape.

Now, it’s time to get on the massage table. (You will find that it’s heated and very cozy 😌)

Occasionally, I will ask to feel your abdomen. This has valuable information perceived from areas of tightness, pain, or emptiness.

Based on all the information I gathered, I will know several points that will be beneficial for you specifically. The needles are super thin and we always go at your pace! You’re the boss applesauce - if something doesn’t feel right, let me know and we will adjust. I have folks take a breath and exhale as the needle goes in. This, very effectively distracts the brain. Once the needles are in, you should not be feeling ANY pain. There might be a pleasant sensation of heaviness in the body - this is normal!

I let you rest with the needles in anywhere from 35-45min. Most folks fall asleep during this time (Acunaps are great!), this however is not required for the treatment to be successful.

During the resting time, I equip my patients with a door bell button. This way you can call me if you need anything!

When you’re done “cooking,” I’ll take out the needles. Here, I’ll do any additional therapies that may be necessary - such as gua sha or cupping.

After this you’re done!

With follow-up appointments, the only difference is that we don’t talk as much. We’s do a quicker check-in to see how your time between appointments went. From there, I can make adjustments, if needed.

Do you have more questions? I’m here for all of them.

If you’re considering becoming a patient at WWA, you can always schedule a free 15 min consultation to talk it over!

Facial Cupping

Cups on the back… old news! Have you heard you of cups on the face 🙀 that’s right!

This is my new favorite thing!

The gentle suction feels like a massage on the face. It’s very relaxing and perfect for creating good blood and lymph flow (the same way it works in the rest of the body).

We go on in swiping motions and never leave any marks!

I have to be honest, I love the rosy, warm glow that I got afterwards.

Acupuncture, cupping and gua sha can be a great alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures or an addition to your already awesome skin care routine.