Acupuncture FAQ

Acupuncture needles are a fraction of the thickness of an injection needle. Most people feel a brief dull heaviness or warmth at the point rather than sharp pain, and many fall asleep during the 20–30 minutes the needles stay in. Tell us immediately if anything is genuinely uncomfortable — we adjust.

It depends on what you came in with. Anxiety and stress often shift during the first session — shoulders drop and breathing deepens within 10 minutes. Sleep usually changes within 2–3 weekly visits. Structural pain is slower and is judged over 3–6 visits. If nothing has moved by then, we will say so.

Every needle is single-use, sterile and disposed of immediately after your session. Packs are opened in front of you. For cupping, equipment is sterilised between patients — NCCIH notes explicitly that reusing uncleaned cupping equipment can transmit bloodborne infection.

Loose clothing you can roll above the knee and elbow, since many of the most-used points sit below them. For back or cupping work we will provide draping. You will not need to fully undress for most treatments.

Yes, and most of our Midtown patients do. Expect to feel noticeably relaxed for an hour or two, so try not to schedule anything high-stakes immediately after your first visit. Drink water and skip a sauna or very hot shower for a few hours after deep work.

Yes. Both practitioners work in English and Mandarin, and this entire site has a Chinese version. Mention your preference when you book and we will schedule accordingly.

Certain points are avoided in pregnancy and the plan changes accordingly — tell us when you book, not once you are on the table. We coordinate with your obstetrician and will not advise anything that conflicts with their guidance.

Plan for 75 minutes. Roughly 15–20 minutes of that is intake and TCM diagnosis, and the rest is treatment with 20–30 minutes of needle retention. Follow-ups are shorter, typically 45–60 minutes.