If you've decided upon acupuncture treatment, what should you do to prepare?

It's simple, just follow the suggestions below and you'll be the model patient.

Maintaining emotional stability and relaxation both before and after treatment is very important, otherwise nervousness will inhibit the loosening of the muscles and therefore affect treatment results. Besides, nervousness will increase the sensation of pain.

Perhaps you've either heard or seen the following:

A doctor, in order to show off his skill, inserts the needle right through the clothing resembling the style of a noble person from a Chinese martial arts novel. Actually, by inserting the needle through the clothing, dirt particles find a convenient way of entering the body which can be bad news.

The proper way is to remove clothing covering the area where injections are to take place. It's also necessary to disinfect the area before insertion. Sterile, disposable needles are preferred, or the patient may even take along his own set of needles which can be given to the doctor for sterilization.

Let's start with a few basic concepts. Preparation Prior to Treatment:

1. Maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection. If you've applied medicated plaster attached to a piece of cloth, then remove it.

2. In order to prevent loss, do not wear jewelry.

3. Wear loose clothing. It's recommended that females do not wear a one-piece dress. Avoid wearing tight stockings.

4. Avoid treatment while experiencing excessive fatigue, hunger, fullness, or anxiety.

What to Remember During Treatment:

1. There's no need to be frightened; relax. Relaxation is something that cannot be overemphasized.

2. If you experience discomfort, dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, loss of breath, or depression during treatment-- signs of "acupuncture related dizziness"-- be sure to tell your doctor.

3. Feel free to let your doctor know of any burning sensation you may experience during acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. If you find acupuncture or electro-acupuncture unbearable at any point during treatment, be sure to speak up so that proper adjustments can be made.

4. Don't change your posture or move suddenly.

5. Do not smoke.

What to Beware of After Treatment:

1. Do not rub the insertion points after treatment in order to prevent hematoma or bleeding. There's no need to be afraid if you experience hematoma or pain in the area of acupuncture treatment. It will automatically be absorbed or disappear. A heating pad can assist in the rate of recovery.

2. Don't be afraid if you experience the so-called "needle sensation," the prickly sensation of needles after treatment. It may last from as short as one hour to as long as one or two days.

3. Some people experience post-acupuncture fatigue, a stiffening of the area treated, pain, exhaustion, or drowsiness. These are common reactions to treatment.

4. It's possible that you may experience a total relief of pain, only to find that a short while later the pain will seem to have increased. This is a phenomenon known as "rebound," where the condition may worsen before it gradually improves the next day.

5. You may shower as usual, but beware so as not to break the blisters on the skin which are a result of moxibustion or the removing of a suction cup. By maintaining good hygiene and avoiding bacterial infection they will automatically disappear.

6. Acupuncture treatment will not interfere with other medical treatment. You may undergo various treatments simultaneously and continue using original medications.

7. Unless your doctor orders otherwise, you may eat as usual.

There, you see, acupuncture is not as terrifying as you once may have thought, right?