Many people view acupuncture with apprehension. The idea of becoming a human pincushion scares them away. This is a sad event as acupuncture is a painless and easy way to treat a variety of conditions, avoiding the use of prescriptions and their side effects. To get over the fear, read this article, as fear is often bred of ignorance.

You should not tip your acupuncturist. They’re like a doctor, who you also shouldn’t tip. They’re healthcare providers, not service people.

If you have a hard time getting into acupuncture because you think it will be painful, keep in mind that it really isn’t painful at all. As opposed to the needles used to administer vaccinations, acupuncture needles tend to be thinner and do not contain fluid. They slide in so smoothly you won’t feel much at all.

Be sure to eat a light snack a few hours before you acupuncture session. If you do not eat, you are likely to get nauseous or dizzy. However, eating a big meal too close to your session could also cause these effects. About one hour before your session, eat a small bowl of cereal or cup of fruit.

Determine if and how your insurance plan covers acupuncture. Some plans cover acupuncture only if you are referred by your regular practitioner for a medical condition. Other plans cover acupuncture visits as wellness visits. Find out if your health insurance covers acupuncture so you can save some cash on the procedure.

Talk to a doctor about anything you are taking if you plan on having acupuncture treatments. If you are currently taking medication, herbs, or supplements, you need to speak to your doctor about what you can continue to take. They may have to make changes to what you’re taking before or in between your acupuncture treatments.

During your first treatment, breathe and relax. This obviously is a treatment that involves needles. Your body may be tensing up in unexpected ways. Just do yourself a favor and breathe deep. Let go of your tensions, and trust in your acupuncturist to do the right things for you.

If you feel pain during an acupuncture session, let your practitioner know. A small prick is normal when the needle is inserted, but you should not feel anything beyond that. More intense pain can mean that the practitioner hit a nerve, and this can cause you to experience adverse side effects if it is not immediately addressed.

Don’t look at your acupuncture session as a time to pick up a book. Yes, you are laying quietly for up to an hour, but it’s your job to relax–even meditate if you want to–during the session. Your practitioner needs your help in this matter. The more relaxed you are, the better the session will be.

Acupuncture is recognized as an effective treatment for a lot of different ailments and diseases by the medical world. If you are considering having this type of treatment, you might want to check with your insurance company first. Many insurance companies will actually cover the cost of acupuncture treatments.

All acupuncture needles should be labeled for single use only. Make sure this is the case in your acupuncturists office. Ask to see the needles, and make sure they are bagged appropriately and labeled for single use. If this is not the case, you could risk exposure to dangerous diseases.

Many people fear acupuncture because it uses needles and by nature, many people are afraid of needles. Unlike when you have blood drawn or get a vaccine, acupuncture needles do not go very deep into the skin. Some people say that they feel a little pressure, but overall it is not a painful experience.

Let your acupuncturist know about your medical history. He or she will be able to customize your treatment in function of your history and needs. You should also give your acupuncturist more details about the medication you are currently taking or used to take. Take the time to put together a list of the medical events your acupuncturist needs to know about before going to your first appointment.

Ask your friends a few questions about acupuncture. Find out about their experiences and the way it made them feel. Ask if they had any side effects. The more that you learn prior to you going for an acupuncture appointment, the less stressed that you’ll be. Keep your mind open and ask any question you may have.

Always go to your acupuncture appointment early. You should not feel rushed when going to your appointment or relaxing will be difficult. Leave a few minutes early and take the time to walk slowly. Read a magazine in the waiting room for a few minutes or listen to some relaxing music.

Now that you know all about acupuncture, your fear should be allayed. You should feel confident in using this technique to deal with any issue which is bothering you. Whether it is anxiety or a sunburn, your acupuncturist will provide you with a treatment which will leave you feeling better than ever.