artifex acupuncture

Learning about Acupuncture

What to expect for your first visit?

During your first acupuncture visit, you’ll begin with a detailed consultation and review of your health history. We’ll discuss your main concerns and ask questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall well-being. This may be followed by a physical assessment, which can include pulse and tongue diagnosis, as well as orthopedic testing if appropriate. Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive a personalized acupuncture treatment. Most people find the experience relaxing. The session typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, and a treatment plan may be discussed based on your individual needs.

How to Prepare for Your Acupuncture Treatment

Preparing for your acupuncture session can help you feel more comfortable and support the effectiveness of your treatment.
It’s best to eat a light meal or snack about one to two hours beforehand—coming in on an empty stomach or feeling overly full may affect how you feel during the session.
Staying well-hydrated before and after your treatment also supports your body’s natural healing response.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to areas like the arms, legs, and back; gowns or appropriate draping will be provided if needed.
Try to avoid caffeine and intense physical activity just before your appointment, and if possible, allow yourself some time to rest or take it easy afterward.
These small steps can make a big difference in how your body responds to acupuncture.

Does acupuncture hurt?

A common question many first-time patients ask is whether acupuncture hurts. The good news is that acupuncture needles are extremely thin—about the width of a human hair—and are nothing like the needles used for injections or blood draws. Most people experience little to no pain during insertion. You may feel a brief, mild sensation such as a light pinch, a dull ache, or a tingling or warm sensation, all of which are normal and often indicate that the body is responding to the treatment. In fact, many patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing and even fall asleep during their session. Everyone’s sensitivity is different, and your comfort is always a top priority. We take time to check in with you throughout your treatment and can adjust as needed to ensure a calm and positive experience.

What am I supposed to feel?

A sense of relaxation or energy shift

A dull ache or pressure at the needle site

Warmth or tingling in the area or along a limb

A heavy, spreading, or pulling sensation

Mild throbbing or pulsation

A brief prick or pinch at insertion

A Muscle twitch or brief jump (especially with motor points)

What am I NOT supposed to feel?

Sustained sharp or stabbing pain

Sustained burning sensation

Sustained numbness or prolonged discomfort

Intense or increasing pain during treatment

Electric shock-like pain (beyond a mild nerve tap)

Severe muscle cramping or sustained spasm

How many treatments do I need?

How many treatments you’ll need really depends on what we’re working on together. Acute issues—like a recent injury—often respond fairly quickly, sometimes within just a few sessions. Chronic conditions usually take more time and consistency, as we work to address deeper, long-standing imbalances. I’ll always create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and check in with you along the way to adjust as your body responds.

What kind of needles are used in acupuncture?

Acupuncture needles are ultra-fine, sterile, and single-use tools made of surgical-grade stainless steel. Unlike hypodermic needles, they are solid and incredibly thin—often as fine as a human hair—designed to gently stimulate specific points on the body without injecting any substance. Most people feel little to no pain upon insertion, and many describe the sensation as a mild tingling, warmth, or a dull ache. In Canada, acupuncture needles are regulated as Class II medical devices, ensuring strict safety and quality standards. After each treatment, needles are safely disposed of to maintain hygiene and patient safety.

Can acupuncture heal everything?

Acupuncture is a highly effective form of complementary medicine, but it isn’t a cure-all. While it can support a wide range of conditions—from chronic pain and stress to digestive issues and hormonal imbalances—it doesn’t replace emergency care or treat serious infections and structural diseases. Instead, acupuncture works by promoting the body’s natural healing processes, making it an excellent tool for symptom relief, recovery support, and overall wellness when used alongside conventional care.

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