For more than 7 years, women across Melbourne have been coming to us at the Which Doctor with questions regarding their health and happiness. And one question that comes up all the time is what to wear to acupuncture. Especially if they’re seeking treatments for fertility, pregnancy and hormonal changes. Do you stay covered? Where are the needles going? Is clothing provided? We’re going to put your mind at ease and tell you exactly what to expect from your first acupuncture session so you can be the healthiest version of yourself. And yes, you stay covered.
But First, What Exactly Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been used for centuries in the East to support women with hormonal health, fertility and general wellbeing (amongst other things). It’s the process of inserting thin, sterile needles into various points on the body (acupoints) in order to manipulate the Qi (pronounced chee). Your body’s Qi is the vital energy that flows along particular pathways called meridians. When this energy flow becomes blocked, disrupted, or unbalanced you might start to feel unwell, in pain or notice other symptoms.
By stimulating the points with fine needles, the Qi is able to move throughout your body, which in Chinese Medicine can help you to restore balance and heal. There are many acupuncture benefits including supporting women with conception, IVF support, period pain, endometriosis and menopause. As well as supporting a range of women’s health-specific conditions, acupuncture can also help with general health and wellbeing. This can include stress management, migraines, anxiety, depression and weight management.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
As well as what to wear to acupuncture, we get asked this a lot. Acupuncture needles are much finer than regular needles and most people barely notice they have (up to 20 or 50 of them) positioned in their body. Some clients may notice a slight tingling sensation or ache, it’s common and means the needles are working their magic.
What Are The Body Meridians
The body’s meridians are a kind of energetic distribution system that works in pairs. There are fourteen in total – two centerline meridians that run along the front of the body and the spine and twelve that run along the limbs. Each limb has six meridians, three of which are considered to be yin and three which are yang.
Each yin organ (heart, liver, kidney, lung, spleen) is paired with a yang organ (stomach, small intestine, bladder, gallbladder, large intestine). This ensures your body is in balance, healthy and happy.
OK, but why is this important when it comes to what to wear to an acupuncture session?
What To Wear To Acupuncture
These meridians are associated with different organs, but they run throughout the body. In fact, your bladder meridian, for example, runs from the top of your head, down your spine and to your little toe. So, if we’re concentrating on your bladder meridian in your acupuncture session, you can receive acupuncture on any of your acupoints along the meridian.
To make it more comfortable for you and more accessible to your practitioner, you’re likely to have acupuncture on your legs or feet, rather than anywhere near your bladder.
So, it’s best you wear loose-fitting pants that can easily be rolled up above the knee to access certain acupuncture points. Culottes are perfect (I really like this brand). Likewise, a loose fitting shirt is ideal for allowing your practitioner to easily and comfortably reach areas on your arms, neck and torso. But really, skirts, dresses, and loose-fitting clothes all work well. Just leave your skinny jeans at home.
What If You Didn’t Get The Memo?
Not a problem! At our acupuncture clinic, we have plenty of towels and heat warmers to keep you modest and warm.
Why Choose The Which Doctor As Your Acupuncturist?
At The Which Doctor, we’re a highly experienced and trained team of practitioners. We understand that you might have lots of questions about acupuncture. We do everything we can to make your Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments as relaxing as possible.
We will start by assessing your current health and why you’re seeking treatment. We discuss your health goals through a range of specific TCM principles. These can include analysing your diet and lifestyle, examining your tongue and a pulse diagnosis. We look at the body as a whole and aim to get to the cause of your health concern rather than treat it individually.
Normally an acupuncture treatment will last between 45 and 60 minutes. For your comfort, you’ll be lying down and our treatment rooms are very secluded and quiet.
We completely get that you might be a little apprehensive before having needles placed in your skin for the first (or tenth) time. That’s why we encourage our clients to ask any questions they might have regarding the treatment or their general health. We ensure that you feel relaxed and confident going into your various treatments so that you can happily get the support you need for your health concerns.
Contact your Melbourne Chinese Medicine Practitioner today at The Which Doctor to book your first consultation and find out the benefits of acupuncture for yourself!