That depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient's size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist's style or school. Usually, needles are inserted from ¼ to 1 inch in depth.

If your practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle, the patient should feel mild cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. Some Western cultures may categorize these sensations as types of pain. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild.

We use sterile disposable needles which are used once. For those who cannot afford disposable needles separate container is maintained which is sterilized every visit.

Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi ( Energy ) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is Excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying." There is no pain if there is free flow, if there is pain, there is no free flow."

That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. A series of 3 sets of treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.

Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.
1. Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
2. To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry.
3. Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings.
4. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry or immediately after heavy meals, during menses, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.

Yes,
1. Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.
2. Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, please let us know.
3. Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This often occurs if you are nervous. Inform us immediately so he or she can readjust or withdraw the needless. If you find your treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to speak to us so that we can make the proper adjustments or if required to stop the treatment.

Acupuncture is well known for its benefit in relieving pain. Recent medical advances in neurophysiology indicate that acupuncture has the ability to increase the body's level of endorphin (naturally produced body's morphine) in the bloodstream. Acupuncture needling stimulates the release of body morphine-like substance to alleviate pain.
Other popular neurological explanation is based on the "Gate Control Theory" developed by R. Melzack and P. Wall in 1965. According to this theory, the pain perception is controlled by a functional gate (or gates) within the central nervous system. Normally, this gate is wide open for pain impulses through the small diameter nerve fibers. But when acupuncture needling is applied, a second stream of non-painful impulses is set up from the site of needling through the large diameter nerve fibers. The result is overcrowding or jamming the gate causing it to close. In other words, there is competitive inhibition of the pain impulses and no pain (or less pain) is felt, even during a surgical operation.

Therefore, the effects observed on acupuncture needling are:

Analgesic (pain relieving) effect. 
Analgesic (pain relieving) effect which is achieved by raising the pain threshold.

Sedative effect. 
Sedative effect (by needling specific acupuncture points) which is utilized in treatment of insomnia, anxiety states, addictions, epilepsies, mental disorders and behavioural problems.

Homeostatic or regulatory effect. 
Homeostatic or regulatory effect is achieved by adjustment of the internal environment of the body towards a state of normal balance.

Immune-enhancing effect. 
Immune-enhancing effect of acupuncture is elicited by strengthening the body resistance to disease. This has been shown to be due to a two to four fold increase in antibody titers has been observed.

Psychological effect. 
Psychological effect is observed by calming and tranquilizing action apart from mere sedation.

Motor recovery effect. 
Motor recovery effect is hastened by acupuncture in patients who become paralysed from some cause or another.