Acupuncture - Patient Stories

(Stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques, including penetrating the skin with thin metal needles)

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Acupuncture involves the stimulation of points on the body, generally by insertion of extremely thin metal needles. The needles are manipulated by hand and/or electrical stimulation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needle use by licensed practitioners, and requires that needles are sterile, nontoxic and labeled for single use. Acupuncture is used for pain and stress management, and for a variety of diseases and conditions.

Read the patient stories below for information and advice about having acupuncture. Learn about common concerns, including effectiveness, pain, what to expect during acupuncture, and possible side effects.

Patient Advice

Overall Rating
0.6
average of all patients
Complexity
Pain is 0.5 of 10
Inconvenience
Inconvenience is 0.7 of 10

About the rating

Acupuncture Preparation:
“Ask the acupuncturist as many questions as you want, and be clear about your goals.”

During Acupuncture:
“If needles bother you, take deep breaths while the needles are being inserted. Also, ask the acupuncturist to use the smallest sized needles possible.”

 

Patient Stories

Acupuncture

My lower back was hurting, and my sinuses were bothering me. Read More

Ken, male, 41, Massachusetts

Acupuncture

I started acupuncture for lower back pain as well as arthritis in my knees. Read More

Beth, female, 46, Massachusetts

Acupuncture

I had been experiencing chronic pain for several years, in my neck and arm, related to computer use. More traditional techniques -- medicine and physical therapy -- hadn't helped. Read More

Noah, male, 32, New York

Acupuncture

I had pain in my lower back while I was on vacation. A friend recommended acupuncture. Read More

Harry, male, 70, Florida

Acupuncture

I tried acupuncture for relief from sinus headaches. Read More

Suzanne, female, 68, Florida

Acupuncture

I've been seeing an acupuncturist for 10 years. I have acupuncture for many things, including pain in the knee, back/neck, sinuses, a bunion and for general relief. Read More

Cheryl, female, 47, Massachusetts

Acupuncture

I had acupuncture to relieve headaches and tension in my neck, shoulders and back. I walked into the office and was greeted by a friendly woman who clearly didn't have English as her first language. Read More

Jamie, female, 46, Illinois

 
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