Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Many patients feel more relaxed or energized after just one treatment. At your first visit a care management plan will be set up so you know approximaetly how many visits to expect. 

• Wear loose-fitting clothing, so Dr. Hildebrand is able to easily access points on legs, arms, abdomen, and back.

• Eat a light meal or snacks within 2 hours prior to your visit and be well hydrated.

• Please try not to drink highly caffeinated drinks within 2 hours prior to your appointment.

• No alcohol at any point during the day prior to your appointment; better to refrain from any alcohol for at least for a few hours after your appointment as well.

• Prepare and ask any questions that come to mind! We know this is new for most people and interesting to learn how the medicine works.

• Don’t plan anything too strenuous the rest of the day so you can relax and enjoy the calming benefits of acupuncture.

The needles used in Acupuncture are filiform, small needles which are less than the width of a human hair, and typically range in size from ¼ inch to 1.5 inches depending on the location to be inserted on the body.

Classical Chinese Medicine is known for needle stimulation to produce the best results, encouraging the flow of qi and unblocking of meridians. Dr. Hildebrand works with each patient to bring you into the process so you understand what is happening with needle stimulation.

Dr. Hildebrand practices both classical style, and Japanese style needling techniques, and adjusts treatment based on a patient’s sensitivity and condition.

At the point of insertion, a patient may feel a slight sensation which quickly subsides. Occasionally, a patient may experience a dull ache or tingling. A slight warmth or pinkish tint at the insertion point disappears after the needles are removed.

Many people feel no pain and often patients remark that they forgot the needles were in place.

Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist with years of training. All needles are sterilized and in sealed packets intended for individual use, discarded immediately after extraction. Dr. Hildebrand uses the finest quality needles.

The depth varies depending on the placement on the body and the symptoms. Typically, needles are inserted at depths ranging from 1/8” to 1 1/2”.

There are many factors that determine each patient’s treatment plan such as:

• length of time symptoms has been present

• the severity of the condition

• constitutional factors like overall health and age

• age and gender

• chronic and severe conditions often require more treatments

Acupuncture is a safe therapy that can work alongside your medications and often times can make them work more efficiently. Dr. Hildebrand might prescribe herbs and for this reason she requests a complete list of prescription medications and supplements.

We do not advise patients to discontinue medications prescribed by their doctor. Rather we urge you to inform your doctor of all adjacent therapies you may use so that your doctor can monitor or adjust your prescriptions according to your improvements.

You are always encouraged to bring your existing medical records and other pertinent health-related information, particularly on the first visit.

With your permission, Dr. Hildebrand will reach out to your other care providers and request copies of your relevant medical records.