What to Expect from Acupuncture
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
If you have never had acupuncture before, knowing what to expect makes the experience much more comfortable and helps you get the most from your treatment. In my clinic in Wokingham I see a wide range of patients — from those with fertility concerns and hormonal imbalances to those with chronic pain and stress-related conditions — and the experience of a session is broadly similar regardless of what is being treated.
Your First Consultation
The first session lasts approximately 60–75 minutes and involves a detailed intake of your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and any relevant investigations. I will ask questions that may seem unrelated to your main complaint — about your sleep, digestion, energy, emotional state, temperature regulation, and the nature of any pain — because in traditional Chinese medicine these details collectively reveal the underlying pattern. I will also look at your tongue and take your pulse on both wrists, which provide essential diagnostic information. From this assessment I formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan.
During Treatment
Very fine, sterile, single-use needles (typically 0.2–0.25mm diameter — considerably thinner than a hypodermic needle) are inserted into specific acupuncture points. Most people feel a brief sensation on insertion — sometimes described as a dull ache, tingling, or heaviness — which indicates the arrival of qi at the point. This is the desired response and is not painful. The needles are typically retained for 20–30 minutes while you rest. Most patients find this deeply relaxing — many fall asleep. After the needles are removed, you may feel energised, calm, or mildly tired — all are normal responses.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
For acute conditions (a recent injury, a cold), two to four sessions may be sufficient. For chronic conditions — fertility, hormonal imbalance, chronic pain, or insomnia — a course of eight to twelve weekly sessions is typically needed to produce lasting change, followed by monthly maintenance. For fertility specifically, a minimum of twelve weeks of treatment before a conception attempt is the evidence-based recommendation. Most patients begin to notice changes within the first three to four sessions.
What Results to Expect
Acupuncture works cumulatively — results build over a course of treatment rather than appearing fully after one session. The changes are often subtle at first: better sleep, improved energy, less premenstrual tension. Over weeks and months, the underlying pattern shifts and the presenting complaint improves as a consequence. Being consistent with the recommended treatment schedule produces significantly better outcomes than irregular attendance.
To book your first acupuncture session, contact me or visit the prices page.
