Help, there’s a giant needle headed toward me! Easing your acupuncture fears…

So, does it hurt? That is inevitably the first question I hear whenever I tell someone I work in an acupuncturist’s office. Well look at this guy. I can understand the concern (what do you mean you need to stick a needle next to my eye)?! It’s almost as if people are expecting a 12 foot rusty spike to be propelled into their arms, legs and head when they enter the treatment room for their first visit. I get it; people are afraid of needles and, well, why shouldn’t they be? Needles are reminders of painful measles shots as a child, stabbing yourself on a “safety” pin and, of course, the dreadful task of getting your blood taken (even though the lab gives away free juice and cookies)!

So, again, does it hurt? The simple answer is: NO! In fact, acupuncture feels weird, but not painful. The weirdness comes from the fact that acupuncturists choose very specific points to needle for your condition, or symptoms, and sometimes you will feel a rush of energy. That energy is your Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). Now you’re saying, hang on a second, a rush of energy? What kind of nonsense is this? I know, it sounds crazy, but it really feels like some sort of energy is moving around again in your body. This is especially true of some points if you have major Qi deficiencies, and sometimes at these points you may feel a bit of tenderness as your practitioner ever so gently taps the teeny tiny needle into place. So even if you have major issues, don’t fret, the relief you get will definitely outweigh the initial uncertainty.

A couple other concerns that sometimes freak people out:

1.) Do they re-use the needles? Absolutely not! They are used once and then disposed of properly as medical waste.

2.) Can anyone practice acupuncture? No way. You must be certified (this is true in most states) and qualified candidates will receive a license that should be prominently displayed. (Excuse me, I’m feeling guilty and am going to run down to the basement to find my college diploma that never quite made it into a frame…)

3.) How do acupuncturists get certified? Each acupuncturist must study at an accredited school. For example, Terri, this blog’s resident acupuncturist, has a Master’s Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine (Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine). She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and is a certified Massage Therapist. So, see, she is super smart and very well-qualified, as are many of her peers.

So just do it already. You won’t regret it! To help you get started on your practitioner search, visit www.acufinder.com to find a certified acupuncturist in your area. Or, just go right to Terri’s site if you happen to live in Northern New Jersey.

photo credit: ThunderChild5