Have you ever had Acupuncture?

nope, never!

I never have, but with all the good things I’ve heard about it, I want to try it really really bad.

Well, I have, in several places (geographical, I mean)

It varies from therapist to therapist, I’ve discovered. (My favourite is Dr Fatima in Kathmandu, but that’s a bit far for most of you to travel)

A good acupuncturist will start by taking plenty of time to talk with you, to find out what your symptoms are and what the underlying problems may be. He or she will probably take your pulses (using different fingers on the wrist area) and maybe take a standard blood pressure measurement as well. Obviously, none of this is going to hurt, and it’s important for the acupuncturist to get an all-round picture of your overall condition.

Then the treatment usually takes place on a high ‘bed table’ (with steps), where you will often have with a loose robe, or be asked to pull up/down some of your clothing, depending on which parts of your are going to be treated. No, you won’t lie there all exposed - there’ll be a robe or blanket if necessary.

Next come the needles, and, depending on the practigtioner, it may hurt for a second or two while they are being inserted in just the right spots. Many practitioners start with ‘opening the four gates’ - your hands and feet - and then afterwards place needles connected to the specific area in need of treatment.

If you’re lucky, the establishment will have nice soft music playing in the background. Because now you generally just have to lie still (it’s precisely then that my nose always starts itching) for about 20 min or half an hour. The acupuncturist will probably come by to ask how you are (and scratch that nose for you) but the needles need time to work.

Then the needles are removed (no pain) and you usually get a swab of disinfectant. You’re unlike to bleed from where they were, because the needles are very thin and sharp - you can hardly feel them.

And sometimes if you’re lucky (like at Dr Fatima’s) you also get a massage!

Don’t hesitate to ask questions - most acupuncturists are happy to explain. They’ve gone through a lengthy training in a subject that most people don’t know anything about, and love to share their knowledge.

Good luck!

ps - yes, it works! especially at Dr Fatima’s…