What to Expect From Acupuncture

Acupuncture works, but you must go consistently over a period of time.

I used to go to a community acupuncture clinic in Annapolis, MD prior to covid. The cost was a mere $20 per session. The pandemic forced the clinic to shut down for good, because the entire business model was based on cheap acupuncture made affordable by everyone relaxing in the same room in comfy La-Z-Boy recliners.

After a few years’ break from acupuncture, I decided it was time to go again. Bracing myself for the costs - $85 and up - I found a gem, an acupuncturist trained in China who was also a faculty member in the Johns Hopkins Neurology Department.

I’ve had two sessions this week and she is great. After the first session, my symptoms did seem to improve. I don’t care if it was a placebo - I want to feel better!

I swear by acupuncture. I think I would be a lot sicker now if it weren’t for the help of acupuncturists over the years. I also think I wouldn’t have gotten so sick from my acute illness of 2017 if I hadn't stopped seeing my then-Austin acupuncturist over money concerns. The money is worth it.

Even then, once I got sick, I went to my acupuncturist for help, and then when money was tight, I visited the local acupuncture school for cheaper sessions.

The short of it is that, even though I have official diagnoses of POTS and fibromyalgia, I am not bedridden and can exercise. This is sadly not the case for many people with my diagnoses. My main issue right now is chronic but sporadic dizziness from vestibular migraines, which I want to heal without taking potentially dangerous neurological drugs. Let's see what my new acupuncturist can do.

A lot of people try acupuncture but quit because they don’t see instant benefits. Here are my suggestions regarding finding a good acupuncturist and what to expect:

• Acupuncture takes time, so plan on trying it out for at least a month before throwing your hands up in the air.

• Yes, the needles can sting a little, but they are more likely to hurt when you have a qi blockage. This type of hurt is typically a dull or possibly throbbing ache. On a rare occasion the acupuncturist will hit a nerve, which will feel like you got jolted, at which point you should yell "OW!" so they’ll take the needle out.

• I have a bias for Chinese acupuncturists who were trained in China, but you can find plenty of good American acupuncturists. Check out their credentials. Older acupuncturists with more extensive training are probably better, but a young well-trained practitioner might be more affordable.

• If you have a local acupuncture school in the area, you can find low-cost acupuncture treatments supervised by TCM doctors. These are usually safe to go to and well worth it as a cheaper option.

• There are different styles and schools of acupuncture. If you are leery of lots of needles, see if you can find an acupuncturist with a more minimal style. The community clinic I went to was based off the “Balance Method,” which only puts needs in extremities (hands/feet) for the most part and uses fewer needles that are very thin. In contrast, my new acupuncturist sticks 10-20 needles in my head alone, and then also treats my stomach, feet, lower legs, hands, and maybe arms. I’m a pincushion. I don’t mind it, it works.

• Acupuncturists are also trained in Chinese herbalism, which can be a helpful aspect of acupuncture treatment...but it’s optional.

• Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes. You may need to remove some clothes depending on where the needles need to be placed.

• I recommend daily Qigong practice as a way to help with qi flow between acupuncture sessions.

• Acupuncture should not make you feel worse afterwards. This would be very rare. If you are continually feeling worse, find a new acupuncturist.

PS I’m running a little fundraiser to help pay for wisdom teeth extraction. Thank you to those who already donated! Much appreciated!