How long does it take for it to work after receiving acupuncture?

This depends on many factors, including the condition(s) being treated, the severity of the condition, and how long the patient has had the condition.

 At the beginning of a course of treatment, especially for a disorder that is severe or one that has been present for many years, it is very unusual (but not impossible) for a single treatment to trigger a complete healing. Instead, the treatment produces a notable impact (not always on the first treatment) that typically reverts after a day or two. This reversion is a result of the continued presence of degenerative change, inflammation (often systemic), pathogens (such as chronic viruses), chronic stress, unhealthy habits, chronic poor nutrition, overwork, etc. In other words the forces acting to counteract the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture remain active long after the treatment wears off.

 Although healing is not linear, you can expect to see and feel improvement after the first couple treatments. Consistency is the name of the game and the more treatments you get over a short period of time the better.

How many treatments will I need?

The single largest predictor of success with acupuncture is getting a high number of treatments over a short period of time. A good standard for almost any condition is to complete one course of ten treatments within 2-3 weeks. Complex disorders typically require more treatments within a shorter period of time, but when patients get a lot of treatments in a short period of time amazing things can happen.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is safe when performed by an experienced, well-trained and licensed practitioner using sterile needles.

Are the needles clean?

Yes! Acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use and disposable.

Does acupuncture hurt?

One misconception about acupuncture is that it hurts, and this is a reason that some people don’t want to try acupuncture. The treatment isn’t meant to hurt though you may experience some sensations during your treatment. While most people don’t feel anything, it is not uncommon to feel a temporary sensation that most people describe as achy, dull, heavy, throbbing or jumping, all of which are positive responses. Pain isn’t a negative response, but you don’t want it to last. Acupuncturists are very well trained to mitigate pain and if they are unable to make the pain go away they will simply and promptly remove the needle.

How does acupuncture work?

One of the most amazing aspects of the human body is its ability to heal itself. There are 30-40 trillion cells in the human body, and every second that we’re alive, these cells work tirelessly to achieve homeostasis, keeping us at—or bringing us back to—a natural balance.

Sometimes our lifestyles, diet, emotions, stress, environmental toxins, pharmaceuticals, relationships, and many other factors are just too much for our bodies to overcome and our bodies get kicked out of homeostasis. This is when we begin to experience signs and symptoms of disease. Luckily the ancient Chinese discovered that the body is comprised of distinct energetic channels called meridians that are associated with the organs in the body. By stimulating these meridians at specific points with needles (Acupuncture), the body can be brought back into balance and harmony (homeostasis).

What should I expect for my first acupuncture treatment?

Your first acupuncture treatment includes a 90-minute session where we perform a very detailed health intake. We will discuss the reason why you’re here and what you are hoping to achieve through acupuncture. We will discuss your medical history and many health-related questions that will give us an idea about who you are and what is going on inside your body. We may ask questions that seem bizarre or ridiculous but everything we ask is to help us understand you better so that we can get to the root of the problem.

After the intake we will begin the treatment. Acupuncture uses pulse, tongue and abdominal diagnosis to further confirm what we suspect is going on inside your body at which point we can begin the acupuncture treatment.

Your comfort is a primary concern during an acupuncture treatment. The acupuncture treatment itself includes a front and back treatment. We begin with a front treatment in which anywhere from 6-12 needles are inserted into very specific acupuncture points. The style of acupuncture that we practice is very gentle, most patients feel no pain whatsoever. We will communicate with each other throughout the treatment to make sure that you are never uncomfortable or in pain. After the needles are inserted you will be left for 10-15 minutes to relax, meditate or sleep. This is the best part of the treatment and some call this an “acu-nap”. When it’s time, those needles will be removed and you will be asked to flip over onto your stomach so that we can proceed with the back-treatment. Approximately 10-16 needles will be inserted during your back treatment and once again you will be left to rest for another 10-15 minutes. We then remove those needles and that treatment is concluded.

On your way out we can discuss any questions that you may have or schedule your next appointment. We may suggest supplements or herbs that will help with your condition and we may give you homework or exercises to do at home before we see you again for your next treatment. 

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my appointment?

We only ask that you fill out your initial patient intake form online before you come to your first acupuncture appointment. If the initial intake form has not been filled out at the time of your first appointment you will need to fill it out when you get here and that may cut into your treatment time. Don’t forget to dress comfortably.

Is acupuncture safe for pregnant women?

Acupuncture has been proven to be safe in all stages of pregnancy. Although there are certain points that you would want to avoid during pregnancy entirely and then there are different points/ areas that you would want to avoid or needle differently during the different terms of pregnancy, Licensed acupuncturists are trained and able to safely treat pregnant women in all stages of pregnancy.

Are there any side effects from acupuncture?

Common side effects may include, better health, better sleep, better ingredients, Papa Johns.

Adverse side effects may include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted.

Where will the needles go?

Each acupuncture treatment is designed specifically for YOU depending on YOUR diagnosis. Needles are placed in very specific acupuncture points which can be on any part of the body. If there are any areas that you are not comfortable with us using, we can modify our treatment and use other acupuncture points on a different part of the body that will give us the same result that we are looking to achieve.

Does my insurance cover acupuncture?

Naberhood Acupuncture is a cash-based practice, however, if acupuncture is covered by your insurance we can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Will I have any restrictions before or after receiving acupuncture?

We kindly ask that you eat a well-balanced healthy meal and do not consume any caffeine within 3 hours of your acupuncture appointment. After acupuncture we ask that you refrain from cold drinks, cold food, and direct air conditioning. Stay warm!

What is the down time after getting acupuncture?

There is no down time after getting acupuncture. You should leave your acupuncture treatment feeling calm, relaxed, refreshed, and able to return to being a fully functional adult (or minor).

Do I need to wait a certain amount of time between acupuncture appointments?

24-48 hours depending on the treatment. The single largest predictor of success with acupuncture is getting a high number of treatments over a short period of time. A good standard for almost any condition is to complete one course of ten treatments within 2-3 weeks. Complex disorders typically require more treatments within a shorter period, but when patients get a lot of treatments in a short period of time amazing things can happen.

Does acupuncture make you bleed?

Bleeding is rare and when it does happen it is a very small amount of blood and is simply wiped away with a sterile cotton ball. No band-aid necessary.

How deep do the acupuncture needles go?

Needle depth depends on the condition that we are treating and what part of the body that the acupuncture point is located. Have peace of mind knowing that licensed acupuncturists coming from a doctoral program have more than 4 years of didactic learning and more than 1,000 hours of clinical training to ensure that needle insertions are safe and painless.

How often do I need to have acupuncture done?

Typically, 2-3 times a week at the beginning until we reach a point where back in control of your health. After that it is on an “as-needed” basis, however, at minimum we’d like to see you once a quarter at the change of each season.

How long do the needles have to be in for?

Acupuncture treatments include a front and a back treatment. Both front and back treatments include a needle retention time of approximately 10-15 minutes in which you will be alone. We will check in with you during this time to make sure you’re doing alright and we can remove the needles at any point if you so desire.

How can you tell if acupuncture is working?

Throughout your treatments we will use different objective and subjective measurements and compare it to prior measurements to help us track your progress. We will also provide you with techniques that will help you become more aware of your own body so that you can check-in with yourself periodically.

Does acupuncture make you tired?

No, acupuncture will make you feel calm and relaxed. This is the work of the parasympathetic nervous system. Acupuncture does an amazing job at regulating your autonomic nervous system but because modern life requires us to spend so much more time in a sympathetic state and so many people are chronically fatigued, we might have trouble recognizing the difference between being relaxed and being tired.

Is there any reason why I shouldn’t get acupuncture?

Acupuncture can benefit everyone, as it treats virtually every medical condition and is excellent for helping to maintain a high level of health when used preventatively.

Caution should and will be used if you are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, are taking anti-coagulants, or if you have an infection where needles are going to be placed.

What does getting acupuncture feel like?

During needle insertions it is not uncommon to feel a very temporary sensation that most people describe as achy, dull, heavy, throbbing or jumping, all of which are positive responses and dissipate very quickly. The rest of the time you should experience a state of calm and you should feel comfortable and relaxed.

Should I combine acupuncture with other therapies?

Acupuncture works great in conjunction with other therapies when needed and we are always willing to communicate and work with other healthcare professionals. During your patient intake you will let us know what other therapies you are receiving and with your permission we will communicate with your other healthcare professionals if necessary.

How can I get the most out of my acupuncture appointment?

Show up on time, refrain from consuming caffeine before your treatment, eat a warm healthy meal the day of your treatment, and be consistent. Don’t forget to dress comfortably!

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

Lucky for you, acupuncture works whether you believe in it or not

What should I do if I have a fear of needles?

This is not a problem! Please let us know on your patient intake or in person and we will make sure to handle this appropriately. You will never be forced or pressured to do anything that you don’t want to do, and we have other tools at our disposal if you’re not ready for needles yet.

Does an acupuncturist have to be licensed?

The State of Idaho requires Licensed Acupuncturists to undergo a minimum 1725 hour Acupuncture program, although Oriental Medicine degrees are often over 3200 hours. Most Licensed Acupuncturists are certified through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Is an acupuncturist a doctor?

Jeff Naber is a licensed acupuncturist. He completed the degree of Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) and the Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) from Pacific College of Health and Science which is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

What are some of the sensations I might experience during acupuncture? 

During needle insertions it is not uncommon to feel a temporary sensation that most people describe as achy, dull, heavy, throbbing or jumping, all of which are positive responses and dissipate very quickly. The rest of the time you should experience a state of calm and you should be comfortable and relaxed.together