Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Price on request

A treatment in which thin needles are placed in specific points on the body, in the tradition of Chinese medicine.

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Applied to Skin/body

About the treatment

At a glance

Pain level
The needles are very fine
Downtime
No downtime

Benefits

  • Thin single-use needles
  • Body and ear acupuncture
  • An extended conversation the first time

Expected results

Many people find the treatment relaxing. The effect varies, and for many complaints the evidence is uncertain.

Overview & Procedure

What the treatment is and how it's performed

What it is

In acupuncture, thin, sterile needles are placed in specific points on the body, and they stay in for 15–30 minutes. Acupuncture comes from Chinese medicine and is also used by health professionals, for example in pain treatment. Ear acupuncture uses points in the ear. Many people use acupuncture for pain, tension and stress. The research on its effect is mixed, and for many complaints the evidence is uncertain.

  • The first appointment has an extended conversation before the treatment.
  • Usually a series of four to six treatments.

  1. The practitioner goes through your complaints, your health and any medicines you take.
  2. The skin is cleaned where the needles will be placed.
  3. Thin single-use needles are placed, and they stay in for 15–30 minutes.
  4. The needles are removed, and you rest for a while before you leave.

Each treatment takes about an hour.

Experience & Recovery

Pain level, downtime and healing

The needles are very fine. You may feel a small prick, and a heavy or tingling feeling around the needle.

  • Common: small bleeding, bruises or tenderness where the needles were.
  • Uncommon: tiredness, dizziness or fainting.
  • Rare: infection where a needle was.
  • Very rare: injury to a lung from needles in the chest area.

  • Take it easy for the first half hour.
  • Drink plenty of water.

No downtime. Some people feel tired afterwards.

Expectations & Safety

Who it's for and safety information

  • The evidence for an effect on illness is uncertain. The treatment does not replace examination and treatment by a doctor.
  • Do not stop taking medicines or other treatment without talking to your doctor.
  • You can ask whether the practitioner is a health professional, or is listed in the Norwegian register of alternative practitioners.
  • The needles must be sterile and used only once.

  • Anyone who wants to try acupuncture for pain, tension or stress.
  • Anyone who is not afraid of needles.

  • As a replacement for examination and treatment by a doctor.
  • New, severe or unexplained pain that has not been examined.
  • A strong fear of needles.

Many people have a series of treatments and then single sessions as needed.

  • A bleeding disorder or blood-thinning medicines, unless cleared.
  • Infection or wounds where the needles will be placed.
  • A pacemaker, for acupuncture with electrical current.
  • Pregnancy: tell the practitioner, because some points must be avoided.

Call 113 if you get sudden chest pain or shortness of breath after acupuncture in the chest area or on the back. Contact a doctor if a needle site becomes red, swollen and warm.