AcupunctureVideo, 0:56
Does Acupuncture Hurt? What to Expect at Your First Visit
Short answer
Usually very little. Mandy Tam, R.Ac, says the needles are very fine and most people feel little to nothing as they go in; some notice a small pinch, heaviness or a warm spreading sensation. The first visit also includes a conversation about your health and a treatment plan tailored to you.
From Mandy Tam, R.Ac, Registered Acupuncturist, Artemis Wellness Clinic, Richmond, BC.
In this video
- Fine needles and the sensations you may notice
- A conversation about symptoms, health history, sleep and stress
- A treatment plan tailored to you
About this video
A first visit starts with a conversation
In this video, Mandy Tam, Registered Acupuncturist at Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond, BC, addresses a common concern before a first appointment: what will the needles feel like? She explains that the visit involves more than the treatment itself. Symptoms, health history, sleep, stress and digestion are part of the conversation about what brought you to the clinic.
An approach shaped around you
Mandy describes the sensations some people notice when needles are placed and emphasizes that acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Her focus is on creating a treatment plan that makes sense for the individual. Watch the video for her explanation, then use your appointment to discuss your own concerns and comfort.
Learn more: Acupuncture & TCM at Artemis
Full transcript
What Mandy Tam, R.Ac says in the video, from its captions.
Honestly, this is probably one of the first questions I get, and I completely understand. Nobody wants to walk into a clinic thinking, okay, where are you going to hurt me? The needles are very fine, and most people feel little to nothing when they go in.
You might feel a tiny warm pinch, a little heaviness, or a warm spreading sensation, but it should never feel like you're being tortured. Your first visit is also not just lie down, I'm putting needles in you. We talk about what brought you in, your symptoms, your health history, your sleep, stress, digestion, and all the little things that help me understand what your body is doing.
Then we create a treatment plan that actually makes sense for you. Because acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all, your body deserves a little more attention than that.
Questions about this video
What might acupuncture needles feel like?
In the video, Mandy describes a small pinch, heaviness or a warm spreading sensation. She also notes that many people feel little to nothing when the fine needles go in.
What will we talk about at my first visit?
Mandy mentions symptoms, health history, sleep, stress and digestion as part of understanding your concerns and planning your care.
More short videos from our practitioners: all videos · Artemis Wellness Clinic on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Educational information only. Individual assessment and treatment advice are provided by your healthcare professional.
Book an appointment
Discuss your first acupuncture visit with Mandy Tam at Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond, BC.