Overview
Acupuncture places very thin, sterile, single-use needles through the skin at specific points on the body. It is one of the oldest parts of traditional Chinese medicine, and today it is offered in hospitals and clinics around the world.
In traditional terms, it restores the flow of qi along the body’s meridians. Modern research suggests the needles stimulate nerves, muscle and connective tissue, which may change how the body processes pain.
Why it’s done
Acupuncture is most often used to ease pain. Our guests come to it for:
- Lower back and neck pain
- Knee and hip osteoarthritis
- Sciatica and disc problems
- Tension headaches and migraine
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea, including after chemotherapy
Risks
Side effects are uncommon when a licensed practitioner uses sterile needles. The most common are:
- Soreness, minor bleeding or a small bruise where a needle went in
- Brief light-headedness, usually in a first session
- Very rarely, injury to an organ if a needle is placed too deep
- Have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
- Have a pacemaker, as some acupuncture uses a mild electric current
- Are pregnant
How you prepare
- Send us any recent scans, test results and a list of your medications before you travel.
- Eat a light meal an hour or two beforehand.
- Wear loose clothing that rolls up easily above the knee and elbow.
- Bring questions. Your physician will explain each point before placing a needle.
What you can expect
Before the procedure
Your first appointment starts with a consultation of up to an hour. The physician asks about your symptoms, sleep and digestion, reads your pulse at both wrists and looks at your tongue. A translator joins if you need one.
During the procedure
You lie on a padded table. Between six and twenty needles go in, each with a brief pinch or nothing at all. Once they are placed, many people feel a dull ache or heaviness around the needle. The needles stay in for twenty to forty minutes while you rest. Some may be gently turned, warmed or connected to a mild current.
After the procedure
Most people feel relaxed; some feel energised. You can walk, eat and sightsee as normal. Avoid hot baths and strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
Results
Many guests notice a change within the first few sessions, though it varies from person to person. A typical course in a programme is ten to twelve sessions over two weeks. If there is no improvement after that, acupuncture may not be right for you, and your physician will tell you.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Every case is different. Our partner physicians advise what is right for you.
