Figured I would start here as I am at the very very beginning stages of potentially finally realizing what I truly want to do with schooling. Tell me about your acupuncture journey, how you began and maybe some advice for someone in the seedling stage of this journey

I just need a little encouragement. I was attempting to pay for my schooling out of pocket but the tuition went up so it went from me being able to pay for 2 or 3 classes a term to probably just 1 which is completely unreasonable.

I’ve only done 1 term out of pocket bc loans/aid only covers 3 terms, but initially was attempting that along with scholarships. Well I’ve just had to apply for a LOA bc that’s not feasible. I need student loans. I want to finish in 2027/2028 like I’m supposed to. All my future goals depend on it so it can’t be dragged out.

I’m just here looking for encouragement/ advice from people who have already taken out the loans. I would probably be taking out another $40k to finish the 2.5 years I have left and I can apply for PSLF in 2028 if it still exists. I luckily don’t need anything major, I just bought a house and I’m not looking to buy a new car any time soon.

I’m not crazy to do this, right?

Have bad adductor tendinopathy, wondering if acupuncture could help me heal

I am doing IVF and recently had my first ever embryo transfer cancelled because of a thin uterine lining. I am heartbroken, I did not realize this would be an issue.

I am also a bit dissapointed in my beloved acupuncturist who has supported me through this till now. She was only going to have me come in for treatments every other week leading up to the transfer, and then once the day after the retrieval and back to every other week. I had to beg to get her to see me once a week.

A friend also doing IVF recently shared her acupuncturist's protocol with me recently and that person was giving my friend supplements, enzymes, and was seeing her 2x per week leading up to the transfer and frequently after as well.

I love my acupuncurist and shes been helping me so much but I am really saddened by this (I am also VERY hormonal so thats playing a role). I am considering seeing a LAC who specializes in IVF for the time being and maybe going back to her later. I'm just feeling conflicted and would love to get input from other professionals! Im worried that im making a big deal about something I dont know anything about. And I am hesitant to call my acupuncurist out because I really like her!

Thank you in advance!

I have posted before about my acupuncturist seeing to be always in a hurry, and I have given her the benefit of the doubt for 5 sessions, and it hasn’t changed. She told me the first session she would give me herbs, and every session she says next session. I have had some weird $hit happen- a large hematoma and another bruise, feeling completely out of it, and she really just brushes me off in a hurry to leave. I’m a healthcare provider with a masters in a related field and when I ask questions, she acts annoyed.

Anyway, what I’m dealing with now is I developed a painful lump in my calf, and went to the ER yesterday to rule out DVT. Then followed up with a doc today that says he thinks it’s a collection of lymph in my calf. I have never had anything like this happen so wonder if it’s the acupuncture that could do this? I plan to fjnd a new provider but am curious if this could be related to acu

I am posting here to try and locate other people who are also as sensitive as myself. I just had my first acupuncture appointment a few days ago. I am a VERY sensitive person. My body is very sensitive to pain and external stimuli. Each needle going in, sitting there, and being removed was painful. I couldn’t sleep that night because of the pain and soreness. I am seeing a very qualified specialist in a wealthy area that taught acupuncture nationally and also was a director of an acupuncture school and a western medical school. Was an advisor for a hospital as well. When I called the office to explain that I won’t be coming back and the pain is too much for me, he called me on his day off on his personal cell phone. He explained the science behind why I am such a sensitive person (biologically). I have known my whole life that I am a sensitive person. I just didn’t know why and people never took me seriously. He gave me suggestions on how to deal with the pain and was very informative and very understanding. He told me that he has experience with other individuals who are also as sensitive as me, so I do feel comfortable returning for another session. During our phone call I also remember him saying that it sounds to him like I am a person that stores unpleasant experiences in my body which manifest as pain. I know this to be true based on past experiences and trauma. I think this is why the acupuncture was so painful for me as it was done in sensitive areas on my body that reflect emotional pain. He also told me that one of my pain issues was chronic which is why the needle hurt coming back out. I am hesitant to post here because I’ve been told my whole life that it’s all in my head.. but I know my body and I know how sensitive I am to things. I am not looking to be told that acupuncture shouldn’t hurt, because I know it usually doesn’t hurt people like it did for me. I just know that I’m not an average person.

I am looking to see if anyone else is also as sensitive as me or knows someone with a similar experience. I am leaning toward believing that I am a rare case but that people like me do exist. Is there anyone else out there? Maybe someone can give me some tips for how to manage the pain associated with acupuncture and what worked for them? I was told to exercise, do yoga, practice deep breathing, use hot or cold ice packs among other things. I appreciate any positive feedback.

Does anyone use one of these for sanitizing their cups after they clean them?
The last practice I worked at used them, and it was also a "towel" warmer, so it kept the cups warm too, which was a nice touch.

I’ve had acupuncture in the past but never experienced anything like the sharp, shooting pain I felt during today’s session. The needle was inserted https://imgur.com/a/ql4GmqC, which I believe might have come into contact with this nerve.

As soon as the needle went in, I felt a sharp shooting pain down into my foot that made me jump. The acupuncturist immediately removed the needle. After that, the pain stopped, and I didn’t notice any immediate symptoms. My foot might feel a bit more sore now, but it’s hard to tell since I’ve already been dealing with foot pain—that’s the reason I sought acupuncture in the first place.

I’ve been reading some nerve damage posts here, and now I’m a little scared to continue acupuncture. My question is: Is it normal for a needle to occasionally come into contact with a nerve, or should that never happen?

If anyone is studying acupuncture at either NUNM in Portland OR or at Bastyr in Kenmore WA I would love to hear anything you have to say !

Hi everyone, I have 2 questions about becoming an acupuncturist.

1. Before enrolling into a masters/doctoral program for Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, what are some things I can do in the meantime to gain experience in this field? (I am looking for some insight into specific programs, certifications, work or volunteer opportunities.)
2. Are there any expedited processes to becoming an acupuncturist that don’t require a masters or doctorate degree?

(I am wanting to change career fields and study/practice acupuncture. I already have a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (basically clinical nutrition for those who don’t know), and I currently work as a Neurophysiologist in spine surgery, monitoring the neural conductivity of the spinal cord based on specific nerves and muscles monitored via sub dermal needle placement. Additionally, I already have $144,000 of student debt, so going back to school at this time is not an option for me, but would still like to pivot in that direction if possible.)

TL;DR: I've had about 10 acupuncture sessions. Initially, upper body needles made me feel relaxed, but needles in my feet triggered anxiety and panic attacks afterward. When we avoided legs, I felt great, but trying needles in the knees recently caused severe anxiety and dark thoughts during and after the session. Between episodes, I feel okay but scared of the intensity of the thoughts during attacks. We’ve now agreed to avoid legs entirely for future sessions. Has anyone else had similar experiences?

So I have been seeing a practitioner about 10+ times now. First time she put needles upper body only, and I got a really nice relaxing feeling hours afterwards. I think it was 4th and 5th time she put bilaterally on the outside of my heels, and both times I had anxiety and panic attacks for hours afterwards (it did not come during the session, but afterwards, maybe it was because I never allow myself to feel my feelings in front of other people? I don't know), the day after each session I was exhausted but felt otherwise fine. At the 6th appointment I jokingly said something about "maybe there is something in the feet" and that time we omited putting and needles in the feet, and I had a very pleasant session and felt amazing afterwards, no anxiety.

She had never heard or experienced this with any other patient before and read up on it and then mentioned on the next appointment that she saw/heard a mentioning about trauma being stored in the legs/feet. I do have quite a lot of that for which I am in queue (since a year back) to see a trauma specialist about.

We continued to avoid anything in the legs for a few sessions but were discussing maybe putting needles in the knees, she was hesitant at first because of my previous reaction but wanted to try it out. I wanted some kind of confirmation for myself that it was not... i don't know... temporary?

And this friday (now 3 days ago) I got really anxious and started crying DURING the session this time, she sat with me afterwards and let me ride it out, and managed to shift my focus so I could let go of the feeling and calmed down somewhat. I managed to drive home, but well at home it came back with a vengence and I had intense anxiety and panic attack coming and going in waves and really dark thoughts (not wanting to continue walking this earth kind of dark) during my episodes which always scares me so much, I have had those kind of thoughts during panic attacks in the past, but not in a long time. I managed to sleep it of, was exhausted day after, and again had panic attack with the same dark thoughts yesterday. In between my episodes I don't have these dark thoughts at all, I'm just super scared that I actually get these thoughts in the first place.

We agreed during out recent session that now we know for sure that legs will be off limits for the needles for any future sessions.

Have anyone else experienced something similar?

I had my second session on the 22nd, and it’s now the evening of the 24th and I suddenly feel sore! Back pain, leg aches, im unsure if it’s from the acupuncture or not. I’m being treated mostly for stomach issues and gyno issues (endometriosis), so I’m unsure why I’d feel sore in these other areas. Is it any kind of concern? I’m a hypochondriac so I always fear something being wrong. My acupuncturist though has such a light touch and it is obvious she knows what she’s doing (she’s also trained and certified in TCM and NCCAOM) She also integrates Japanese style acupuncture by having the needles be extremely surface level, so I trust her! I just wanna check that this could be normal, or by any chance just my body giving me other problems unrelated to this lol

I’m seeing a new PT for an injury called sesamoiditis. It’s been 8 months so my muscles are extremely atrophied from multiple tries at immobilization. Finally told by my doctor to get out of the boot and try to start strengthening. This new person seems to be the type of PT I’ve been searching for, knowledgeable in biomechanics, barefoot living, and alternative medicine. They preformed acupuncture on my foot Thursday and then used some sort of stim machine for 15 minutes. They placed 4 needles on the ball of my foot in the shape of a square where my pain was. Before this, I had finally sorta gotten my sesamoiditis flair ups under control and was going to start strengthening. He told me to expect some worsening conditions later that day but by the 3rd day I’d like him again. Later that day nothing, felt no pain felt great. Friday, same thing felt great took it easy no major flare ups. Now starting yesterday afternoon I started to notice some inflammation even through the anti inflammatories and bruising. The pain has returned I did contrast baths to try to calm it. I did maybe 1500 steps total all day nothing crazy and same thing today I’ve maybe done 1000 steps today but have had an increase in pain/inflammation even through anti inflammatories. It’s so incredibly frustrating because I don’t know if I’m over doing it or it’s caused by the acupuncture session. Is this normal??? I’m stressed/sad beyond belief which can’t be helping the situation.

Hello everyone. I am getting acupuncture by a skilled practitioner with 35 years experience. I am being treated for taste and smell loss due to Long Covid. She hit three spots that were so excruciating that I yelped uncontrollably in the community acupuncture clinic. She quickly removed the needle on my right hand, in the flesh between my thumb and forefinger. Again involuntarily, I cried from the pain. I yelped when she hit a nerve (that she insisted was Qi) on the upper inside of my calve near my knee. And the third needle was on the outside top of my upper thigh. It was fine going in but the pain grew to excruciating. I am NOT exaggerating. I don't understand what the heck is going on. Has this happened to anyone else? Can you please advise me? Acupuncture is my last resort in my attempt to regain at least some of my smell and taste. Thank you.

P.S. I know it sounds weird that I am getting such an intense reaction to acupuncture. I thought Reddit would be a safe space to ask what's going on. And I truly appreciate the helpful responses I've gotten so far.

Acupuncturists in here love to use the phrase “just trust your acupuncturist” when patients have a question about anything. This is the absolute worst advice, is a form of gaslighting, is unethical and is harmful. Practitioners need to earn trust. You do not earn trust simply by having a license to practice. You do it by developing rapport, answering the patient’s questions, LISTENING to the patient, treating them with respect and hopefully giving them the best treatment possible with good clinical results.

Hello Reddit,

I have had the bug to go back to school for acupuncture and am also interested in practicing functional medicine. To be able to order lab work I need to have a Doctorate of Acupuncture in Colorado. I am near Denver so Colorado Chinese Medicine University is the only local option I have. There were some pretty poor reviews on Yelp, one of which mentioned it could be closing. This has left me a little spooked about that as an option, but there also aren't many reviews of students it in general online. So it could be skewed.

I am curious if anyone has some direct experience training at Colorado Chinese Medicine University that could help me make a more informed decision.

It’s my first time trying acupuncture, my acupuncturist lady is a nice person and seems experienced but almost every session I leave with some part bleeding and bruising… is it normal?

Nor does he look at tongue.

He asked for my symptoms or why I was there.

Is this appropriate way of treating a patient ie no pulse nor tongue diagnosis?

Greetings!

So unfortunately I got diagnosed with Peyronie Disease, and I might even have hard flaccid and pelvic floor dysfunction since they share few symptoms mainly erectile dysfunction. (I am now on a strict diet and workout program) I read a post on Reddit about some guy treating his penis curvature from peyronie disease by doing acupuncture:

https://www.reddit.com/r/PeyroniesSupport/comments/116rz34/comment/kza6tpe/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Is it possible? And are there certain points or suggestions I can give to my acupuncturist? He's pretty good and uses elrctro acupuncture too, but I can't get in touch with him currently to ask about this.

I would truly appreciate any help!

Hi all,

I have hashimotos and have been putting off going to acu school because I"m not sure I can handle the stress or handle seeing clients. it's been over a decade of going back and forth. I used to be extremely sensitive to scents, essential oils, perfumes, etc and I've been in school acu clinics that use diffusers during the day. I'm not quite as senstive now, but I'm still not sure that I can handle an entire day of being in clinic that uses diffuses or with patients using those EOs or perfumes.

I'm also and introvert and tend to fatigue being around people. I used to do energy work and craniosacral - not as a career, but just one or two people a week - and that's when I really noticed feeling drained after a session. Acu is a but different bc you don't have to be in the room the entire time, but it's still interacting with people all day.

I'm in the tri-state area now so my options for school are PCHS in NYC or ESATM. Does anyone have opinions on those schools and what the clinic environments are like?

Or any other feedback / suggestions that might be relavent to my situation.

I'm not going to go into my history of trying to heal bc it's very long and has been mostly unsuccessful and some practitioners (not just acu) have actually made it worse at times. I react really strongly to acu treatments as well.

I'm in the worst financial situation that I've been in in my life and I keep thinking that If i just pushed through and went to acu school when I has some consistent income, my life would be better now and I'd be able to manage my own schedule and environment.

Nothing seems to be falling into place. I'm about to finish an online masters program in environmental management and I have not been able to find work or a solid internship in almost 4 years. because of my health stuff, i need remote work. I can't be in an office around people's perfumes all day - I won't be able to think.

Thanks everyone

I have my first frozen embryo transfer on Monday but I unfortunately won’t know the time until sometime on Sunday. I currently have a 9:30am appointment on Sunday and a 9:30am appointment on Monday to hopefully get in twice before my transfer. Would twice in a row potentially negatively impact the transfer? Would you recommend not going Sunday and just going the day of for the before? Thank you!

Deadman’s a name we all know but is it worth the annual fee? Patients like it?

After treatment, I find myself having insomnia ie having trouble falling asleep.

Is this because that is the wrong practitioner or are they using the wrong points?

Hello. Just at the title says. I am new here and am going to be starting acupuncture for a coccyx injury however, the lady I have been referred to at my osteopath seems to be a miracle worker for all issues lol. Is acupuncture a good route to take? Wondered if any of you have any experience doing it or having it done for reflux issues? Can they treat both issues at the same tjme?