Acupuncture detoxification assists many individuals in connection with their process of recovery. Here are a few suggestions for you to follow to better enhance your detoxification through acupuncture:

Try to eat before you have a treatment. When possible, try not to have coffee, cigarettes, or heavy meals for about one hour before and after your treatment. (However, if you do have any of the above, do not skip your acupuncture treatment.)

It is a good idea to use the restroom before treatment.

Remind the Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS) each day if you or a hemophiliac or a “ bleeder.”

Have your ears accessible, but you do not need to remove earrings or hats. If you have long hair, braids or dreadlocks, it is a good idea to tie your hair back so the needles don’t get knocked out.

Prepare your ears with alcohol soaked cotton ball or wipes, take a seat and relax. If you are taking Antabuse, use soap and water to clean your ears instead of alcohol.

Acupuncture is nearly painless, but some people experience a brief pinch when the needles go in. The ADS can show you how to breathe deeply to minimize that event. Once the needles are in, the sharp sensation goes away.

If you experience any discomfort during the treatment, notify the ADS who can adjust the needles slightly. Notify him by quietly raising your hand. Some people feel sensations such as warmth, tingling, itching or electrical sensation from the needles. These are normal.

It is best to sit with your feet flat on the floor with your arms uncrossed.

Silence or low talking is encouraged. Please respect yourself and other clients by keeping the noise level down. You may fall sleep.

If one of your needles falls out and is easily visible and accessible, you may retrieve it and notify the ADS by raising your hand. Otherwise the ADS will remove your needles when the time is appropriate, or when you request him to do so. DO NOT touch any needle that is not yours!

Sit quietly with the needles in for 30 to 45 minutes. Notify the ADS when you are ready to have the needles removed by raising your hand.

Occasionally, a point will slightly bleed when the needle is removed. This is normal. The ADS will place a Q-tip on the site for a few seconds to stop the bleeding.

All needles and Q-tips are disposed of by the ADS in a red biohazard container. We will need your help to make sure that no needles are lost. Should a needle fall from your ear, be sure to remind the ADS that a needle fell from your ear, and indicate from which ear the needle came.

You may feel sleepy after the first few treatments. With regular treatments you may sleep better, feel more rested, have more energy, and think more clearly. Some people don’t notice any particular change related to acupuncture except they are not using drugs or alcohol.

Treatment may also stimulate the release of emotions for some people. It is important to acknowledge these feelings as part of healing and recovery process.

Remember, recovery from any substance is an ongoing process. Acupuncture detoxification treatment supports the process at every stage. It helps to establish a balance in your life.

If available, enjoy a cup of sleep mix/herbal tea following your treatment. It is not a narcotic or sedative, but will help you relax and sleep better at night. It is safe and no addictive and a good alternative to the over stimulation of coffee or soft drinks. It helps to drink a cup at bedtime, too.

Acupuncture detoxification treatments have a cumulative effect. Come back as often, and as substance free, as you can.