How Long Does Acupuncture Last?

How Long Does An Acupuncture Session Last?

Your acupuncturist will safely place needles in your skin at the specified pressure points. The amount of needles and pressure points can vary depending on your condition. Of course, this means the numbers can differ during each session.

You can speak with your acupuncturist about how much time each session should take. It’s recommended to allow for some time before and after each session in case you need to change clothing or speak with the acupuncturist about your treatment.

Some patients may only need one session in conjunction with another therapy. However, the most benefits are generally achieved through regular acupuncture sessions which take place over several months.

• Average Acupuncture Session Time: One Hour.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is the process of penetrating the skin with thin, metallic needles which are then activated through specific yet gentle movements of the practitioner’s hands. These movements can also be performed via electrical stimulation. This practice is part of the ancient treatment of Traditional Chinese medicine.

Chinese medicine refers to the energy flowing through the body as qi. Practitioners believe qi disruptions will create imbalances in your body’s energy, eventually causing illness. A few forms of acupuncture aim to rebalance qi with needles used to touch acupuncture points (acupoints) throughout the body.

There are hundreds of these points found along 14 major meridians in the body which are also referred to as energy-carrying channels. Needles are used to stimulate the body’s central nervous system/immune system.

What To Expect During Acupuncture Sessions

An experienced acupuncturist will examine a patient to assess their condition, insert one or more needles, and offer medical advice. Patients can either sit or lie down during this procedure. Needles typically stay in place for 20-60 minutes, but this could vary depending on the procedure. In some cases, the acupuncturist will heat the needles following insertion.

Patients may feel a brief tingling or stinging sensation upon insertion of the needle. A dull ache may be felt at the base of the needles contact point as well. Individuals with chronic conditions may need a few treatments per week over the course of several months. Acute health issues could see improvement after only 8-10 sessions.

What To Wear To Acupuncture Appointment

If you know in advance that your acupuncturist prefers patients wear clothing during treatment, there are a few guidelines you can follow. Avoid wearing tight or constricting clothing. Instead, always choose to wear loose-fitting clothing. Your clothes should be relatively easy to roll up, especially if you are wearing long sleeves or pants. This ultimately allows the acupuncturist to access the necessary areas.

Typical areas for acupuncture include elbow to fingertips, neck, shoulders, and below the knees. If full access to your back is called for, you’ll likely be asked to remove your shirt/top. Be mindful of your hair length. If it is long, it’s recommended to tie it back so it’s out of the way.

Here are a few clothing recommendations for acupuncture appointments:

• Loose t-shirts
• Shorts
• Sweatpants
• Sweatshirts
• Hoodies