In a Overland Park acupuncture treatment, expect that your practitioner will use needles. Acupuncture needles are very thin and not hollow like injection needles. They all should be pre-sterilized, individually packed, disposable and used once and discarded. Most people receive acupuncture treatment lying, down, although a seated position is sometimes used. Your acupuncturist will guide you and help you relax and receive the most benefit from treatment.

The needles are as thin as human hair and are tapped in through a tiny tube. The needles are left in body for 25 to 30 minutes. Most patients go into a state of deep relaxation and some even fall asleep due to the endorphins which are released during the treatment. In areas where the muscles are especially tight, electrodes may be attached to the needles. The electrical current gives-off a steady vibration to the tight muscles which feels like a gentle massage.

Each patient is unique. The number and frequency of treatments will vary from patient to patient. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while others may take four to ten treatments. While a specific problem is being worked on, you may visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week, and gradually reduce the frequency to once or twice a month. To simply maintain good health, you may limit your treatments to once every season – four times a year.

Any “Do’s And Don’t’s” On The Day Of A Treatment?

• To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
• Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
• Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
• Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.

Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem