Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and incredibly relaxing treatment that involves inserting ultra-fine sterile needles into specific points on the body to help restore healthy circulation and the natural flow of energy (known as Qi). Though it can feel strange at first, this ancient practice has been used for thousands of years and has tremendous benefits in terms of helping you heal. Here are some things you should know before you get your first acupuncture on Main treatment.
What to expect when you arrive at the treatment room
When you arrive at the My Rest for acupuncture on Main, you will be greeted by your registered acupuncturist. If you’ve booked in advance, you will have received some forms to complete online—an intake and consent form. If you come in as a walk-in, you should expect to fill out some paperwork, and then we’ll go over what you’re coming in for and why you want to try acupuncture.
You can ask us any questions or concerns you might have about the treatment. We want this to be as comfortable as possible, so we’ll do our best to make sure that it is!
You may also have your pulse and tongue read
Pulse and tongue reading are two unique parts of the diagnostic process. For pulse diagnosis, your acupuncturist will place their index, middle, and ring fingertips on your radial pulse at the inside of your wrist. They will be feeling for more than how fast your heart rate is though, as they are paying attention to the speed, the strength, and the “character” of your pulse at the three different locations and at three different depths (superficial, medium, and deep—you’ll feel them press lightly and more firmly). There are more than 20 different pulse characteristics that your acupuncturist is reading, including slippery (feels like a pearl rolling on a plate), wiry (feels like a guitar string being plucked), and choppy (feels like the back of a comb being run along a stalk of bamboo). Each of the three locations along your radial pulse relates to different organ systems, and your acupuncturist needs to feel both wrists, as they can be quite different.
Tongue diagnosis is also used to assess the health of the organs. You may be asked to stick your tongue all the way out while your acupuncturist looks at the colour, shape, and size of your tongue, as well as markings and the coating on the tongue. All of this given information about what’s happening inside the body and can be used for a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis.
The treatment starts
Once your acupuncturist has enough information about you to form a TCM diagnosis, you get to lie down on the table. You may be asked to roll up your sleeves or pant legs and you may be offered blankets or extra pillows to make sure you’re extra cozy. There’s a reason why we call our clinic “My Rest.”
Finally, it’s time for your acupuncture on Main treatment! While you chill on the table, your acupuncturist will place needles in specific points on your body. These needles are very thin and while you may feel sensations like warmth, tingling, heaviness, dullness, or feelings that are difficult to describe, it is not painful.
Once all the needles are placed, you’ll get the opportunity to do absolutely nothing. Take this time to nap, daydream, meditate, practice deep breathing, or simply notice how you’re feeling. We encourage you to drop the mental roll call of your to-do list and just enjoy.
You may get some additional treatments beyond just acupuncture
Depending on the acupuncturist and practice, you may also be offered other treatments. Check out our combo treatment options that include acupuncture and cupping, tui na massage, Qi gong therapy, or motor point electrostim. Some practitioners will recommend herbs to support your body’s healing process and lifestyle changes.
In addition to these therapies, your practitioner may recommend some lifestyle tweaks including dietary suggestions, specific exercises, or tips for better sleep.
How will you feel after your acupuncture session?
At My Rest, while we may use the clock to determine when your acupuncture session is complete, we can often wait until you feel “complete” with your treatment. We may notice you start to stir again, looking more alert and ready to go. One of the benefits of an open-space setting is that we can easily observe our patients and quickly attend to your needs.
If you can, before you get up from the table, take a moment to take a few deep breaths to help integrate the treatment effects into your nervous system and whole body. Get up slowly and carefully.
Most people feel a little sleepy and even “out of it” initially after their acupuncture treatment. You’ll likely feel relaxed and like you’ve just come out of a deep sleep or meditation. You may also feel energized and ready to take on the world. It all depends on your body and the treatment you receive.
Regardless of the reason you came in, acupuncture can have a variety of bonus positive “side effects,” including increased energy, improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as pain management. You may experience some or all these benefits during the course of your treatment plan with the acupuncturist.
At the end of the session, you’ll be debriefed
During or after your treatment, your acupuncturist may briefly discuss your treatment plan and how you can continue to feel better. Some common questions that come up are:
- How long will it take for me to feel better?
- Do I need follow-up appointments?
- When should I come in for my next acupuncture treatment?
The best results are usually obtained with a series of treatments. The longer you’ve had a condition and the more severe it is, the more sessions are generally needed to bring results, but everyone is different. Still, most people do feel something after even just the first acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture is a relaxing treatment that can help with many health conditions
As part of the holistic healing medical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is a wonderful therapy that is both powerful and relaxing. Who knew that you could get so much out of taking a nap.
For your first acupuncture on Main experience, visit My Rest.