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Thanks for posting this - I have my first acupuncture appointment today, too! I hope it goes well for you! I'm a bit nervous myself.

I've only been to one person, and I think the experience can really vary. There are different forms of acupuncture.

I filled out a health form ahead of time, and she wanted to spend time talking and getting to know me. Then in went the needles! She left me to just hang out and relax with them in. It doesn't hurt--maybe a little sting, but that's about it. We did work up to some that were more painful and I felt the ones in my scalp the entire time, but those were later appointments.

@littlek: I did like it, but I don't go anymore. It was expensive, and even though she would take a lesser payment, I didn't feel comfortable paying less. There's a place in town where they do acupuncture in a group setting, and I've considered that.

I went for about a month or so for fertility, and although I didn't get pregnant, it was still helpful. I went at a point where I was feeling a lot of despair, and she helped me get a grip, reminding me I have a lot to be grateful for.

I hope it's a positive experience for you!

I went for a reason other than fertility at first, so we talked a bit at the beginning of the appointment about what I was hoping to accomplish (easing off a steroid inhaler for a lung infection, digestive issues), if I would also consider using herbs either in a tea or pill form..and then we just dove right in.

Ohhh...so cool! I have been a handful of times and have an appointment tomorrow night after work. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. If for nothing else than the hour of relaxation it gives me. I walk out of my appointments feeling so relaxed and at ease. I was in a really horrible place after my 2 MC's in the past year but since I have been to accupuncture I feel like my head is clearing and I am in a better place. It has somehow allowed me to slow my negative thinking down and just focus on the now. I have also noticed that I have been sleeping better.

As far as the needles...I don't feel any pain at all. I mean...totally painless.

Oh, also, because they often need access to your legs and tummy, i find wearing something like leggings is good because you can roll them up or down without taking them off. They give me dietary advice to follow top.

I have had acupuncture pretty regularly for awhile, primarily to treat chronic migraines. Mostly, the needles don't hurt whatsoever... unless one is inserted at a "trigger point" that is connected to the area of my body that is in extreme pain. Then it can sting when inserted, and may even leave a light bruise. That is the exception and not the rule. Usually it's highly relaxing, it warms me all over, and I wind up falling asleep.

@gingerblonde: LOL...just read your post. I had an acupuncture appointment last night and caught myself nodding off several times. SO relaxing!

Ohhh I like the idea spa visits but do find that the acupuncture has definitely lowered my stress levels. I actually mentioned to someone the other day that if ANYTHING getting acupuncture has helped me to relax and lower my stress levels.

@littlek: Oh my gosh! $200 each time! I'm stressed just thinking about that. I found a place for $50 and I didn't even want to pay that. I basically just want everything in my life to cost $10.

@littlek: do you think the doctor will give you a cash discount? The acupuncturist I am looking into gives discounts like that.

@CatchAFallingStar: I want to pay $10 for things like clothes, wine and anything at Target. Then $100 for big things like appliances and cars. And acupuncture should just be $10. That's just my opinion though.

@HolisticMama: How do you like the community acupuncture?

Has anyone else tried it?

Like MrsMcD I really wanted it to cost $10, haha! I've considered going to a community one because they are so much more affordable, but wasn't sure if it would be weird with everyone else in the room. I'm not the best relaxer in these types of settings so I'm worried I would just be looking at everyone!

@Mrs. Chickadee: I actually really like that other people are in the room. I hated being left alone when I went to a private acupuncturist. Most community acupuncture places offer eye masks (that they wash after each use) to help you relax. However, it's easy for me to just shut my eyes when I get treatment. I feel so calm and wonderful.

In fact, I just had treatment today. She has a couple noise machines going and meditation music so it's a really peaceful.

Oh yes, I forgot about that, @Jenn23! The chairs are comfy! Way comfier then lying on a table, I think.