Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated, and most patients experience minimal to no discomfort. The sensation upon needle insertion is often described as a slight pinch or pressure, which typically fades quickly. Our advanced diagnostic techniques, combined with the precision of electro-acupuncture, allow us to use only four needles for most treatments—so you won’t feel like a pin cushion!
The needles we use are ultra-thin, comparable to the width of a human hair, and designed for single use to ensure maximum safety and sterility. Many patients find the experience so relaxing that they even fall asleep during the session. If any discomfort persists, adjustments can be made to enhance your comfort. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to ensure a positive, stress-free experience.
This question depends entirely on the type of condition being treated and how long the problem has existed. For a twenty year old (whose natural healing abilities are at their peak) who has just sprained his or her ankle, treatment can yield immediate results with a reduction of swelling and pain, increased range of motion and dramatically decreased recovery time. Even in this situation, however, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) is not a panacea.
The body is the only thing that can actually heal itself, and that process takes time. AOM helps balance the body and its energies so that the healing process is optimal. For chronic issues (pain, digestive disorders, depression, etc.) that have developed over a number of years, the answer is far less clear. The disease process develops its own inertia and it will sometimes take time to halt, then reverse this inertia (akin to turning a large ship and getting it going in the right direction). Additionally, the body will often push things that it cannot deal with into a state of latency (kind of putting a lid on things) until circumstances will allow it to properly deal with the issue. The problem with this is that our modern lifestyles often do not give our bodies the opportunity to slow down and deal with things. Thus a small crick in the back can become a debilitating pain issue that needs to be managed with pain killers and limitations on one’s activities. AOM can “pop the lid” on these latent issues and sometimes things will get worse before they get better.
With all of this in mind, typically you should expect to see a change in your symptoms within four to six treatments. At Princeton Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, after your initial intake, we will present you with a written Report of Findings and a treatment plan indicating the frequency of visits and number of visits that we recommend for your specific problem. The treatment plan typically includes a decreasing frequency of visits at targeted intervals over the course of the treatment (for example from once a week, to once every two weeks, etc.) until you are coming in on a “maintenance” schedule (typically five to twelve times a year). At the targeted dates for frequency reduction (or at any time you request) we will perform a brief reevaluation, discuss your progress and a decision regarding the course of your treatment will be made, together.
Acupuncture is a very safe treatment when performed by a trained professional. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, and administered only by licensed practitioners. At our clinic, we strictly follow these standards, ensuring every treatment is hygienic and safe. Complications are exceedingly rare, with minor effects like slight bleeding or bruising occurring in a small percentage of patients and resolving quickly.
Certain precautions apply to specific groups, such as those with pacemakers or electrical implants, as well as pregnant individuals.
Please let us know about your medical history so we can tailor your treatment accordingly. When used according to established safety guidelines, acupuncture is an effective and low-risk method to support your health.
Commenting on the relative safety of acupuncture compared with other treatments, the National Institute for Health consensus panel stated that “adverse side effects of acupuncture are extremely low and often lower than conventional treatments.” They also stated: “the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same condition. For example, musculoskeletal conditions, such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and tennis elbow… are conditions for which acupuncture may be beneficial. These painful conditions are often treated with, among other things, anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) or with steroid injections. Both medical interventions have a potential for deleterious side effects but are still widely used and are considered acceptable treatments.”
In a Japanese survey of 55,291 acupuncture treatments given over five years by 73 acupuncturists, 99.8% of them were performed with no significant minor adverse effects and zero major adverse incidents (Hitoshi Yamashita, Bac, Hiroshi Tsukayama, BA, Yasuo Tanno, MD, PhD. Kazushi Nishijo, PhD, JAMA). Two combined studies in the UK of 66,229 acupuncture treatments yielded only 134 minor adverse events. (British Medical Journal 2001 Sep 1). A total of 121,520 treatments with acupuncture therapy were given with no major adverse incidents (for comparison, a single such event would have indicated a 0.0008% incidence).
At Princeton Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, we work with all insurance companies as an out of network provider. We can submit claims to your insurance company directly or provide paperwork you can submit for direct reimbursement. We even provide a complimentary insurance verification so you know exactly what your responsibility is, before you commit to any treatment. Call today and we will get the process started for you!
Most side effects from acupuncture are mild and temporary. You may notice subtle changes in your body, such as a temporary increase in energy, deep relaxation, or mild disorientation immediately following a session. Occasionally, some patients experience minor shifts in appetite, sleep, or emotional state, which are natural signs of your body responding to treatment.
In some cases, symptoms may briefly intensify at the start of treatment as your body begins to heal—a phenomenon known as the “Law of Cure.” This is similar to going to the gym for the first time in a while and feeling sore the next day. It’s a positive sign that your system is addressing imbalances and moving toward recovery. If you have any concerns, we encourage open communication so we can ensure your experience is as comfortable and beneficial as possible.