FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST TREATMENT?
It is important that you have a small bite to eat at least two hours prior to your appointment to avoid feeling light-headed or nauseous during your treatment. We also recommend you wear comfortable clothing that can easily be moved or shifted should your practitioner need to access certain areas to insert a needle.
Keeping your phone or electronics on silent and put away will help you relax during your time with us.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?
Your first visit will consist of an in-depth conversation to discuss your current and prior health history. Don't be concerned if your practitioner asks questions that seem unrelated to your reason for seeking care - it is all related to an Acupuncturist! After we have a good picture of your whole health, you will receive a full treatment specifically tailored to you. Together we will then come up with a plan and schedule for continued care to get you feeling your best.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
The short answer is - No!
The long answer is that Colleen uses small Japanese-style needles which tend to be painless and barely noticeable to the patient. A small sensation may be felt when a needle is first inserted, though it should not be painful or last.
Acupuncture is experienced differently by each individual. Some expected sensations are; heaviness, heat, aching, tingling, itching, waves of movement, or nothing at all at the sight of a needle. Occasionally your practitioner will manipulate a needle to elicit a physical sensation for therapeutic reasons but will make you aware of this beforehand.
Always discuss your comfort level with your Acupuncturist.
DO I HAVE TO COME MORE THAN ONCE?
It would be great if Acupuncture were a one-and-done treatment. The reality is, you probably didn't become imbalanced overnight, so it may not be fixed overnight either.
Acupuncture requires a bit of detective work to find the underlying cause of why you're feeling unwell, to begin with. Acupuncture helps by fixing the root cause of disharmony. It's the difference between relieving a problem and resolving a problem. This process can often take time.
The longer you've experienced a condition, the more frequent treatments you may require. At Over Matter, we promise to always be honest with you about how often we believe you need to be seen.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Yes! Acupuncture is widely acknowledged as one of the safest forms of medicine. One of the most significant advantages of acupuncture is that it has virtually no side effects (except that amazing 'Acu-Nap.')
When performed by a Licensed and Board-certified practitioner, Acupuncture is incredibly safe with minimal risk. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training and are regulated by national accreditation and state medical boards. It is essential for your safety to confirm that whomever you choose to see for your treatments carries up-to-date credentials with both levels of regulatory groups.
DO I LEAVE A TIP?
No, you don't.
Acupuncture is considered a medical treatment. You pay for the treatment you are receiving and the knowledge that the practitioner passes on for further healing. You wouldn't tip your primary care doctor, so we don't think you should tip your acupuncturist.
If paying it forward is "kind of your thing", we would appreciate you spreading the word and letting others know where to find us!