Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain as a critical component of traditional Chinese medicine. Increasingly, it is also being practiced for overall wellness, including stress management.

Traditional Chinese medicine holds that acupuncture balances your energy or life force, which is believed to flow through pathways in your body. When an acupuncture practitioner inserts needles into specific points along these pathways, they believe your energy flow will re-balance.

In contrast, many Western practitioners see acupuncture points as places to stimulate your nerves, muscles, and connective tissue and that this stimulation boosts your body’s natural painkillers.

Are you considering giving acupuncture a try? Keep reading to find out more!

What Should I Expect From An Acupuncture Treatment?

Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body and may be far removed from the location of the pain. Your acupuncture practitioner will advise you on the general site of your planned treatment; you may be instructed to remove some clothing. You will be provided with a gown, towel, or sheet and lie on a padded table for the session.

Needle insertion. Acupuncture needles are inserted into various depths at strategic points on your body. Insertion usually causes very little discomfort since the needles are very thin. Many people often don’t feel them inserted at all! The treatment uses 5 to 20 needles on average. When the needle reaches the needed depth, you may feel a small aching sensation.
Needle manipulation. Your practitioner may choose to gently move or twirl the needles after their placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.
Needle removal. You will lie still and relax while the needles are left in place – usually for 10 to 15 minutes. You can expect little to no discomfort when the needles are removed.

What Do I Need To Do After My Acupuncture Session?

No recovery is necessary. After an acupuncture treatment some people will feel relaxed or energized after an acupuncture treatment, but that is not true of everyone. If your symptoms don’t improve within a few weeks, acupuncture may not suit you.

As one of our Urban Oasis Day Spa signature services, we proudly offer acupuncture therapy, massage, skincare, and much more!

If you’re thinking about planning a spa party, we’d love to help you put one together – and don’t forget our awesome gift cards for those special occasions.