Kathleen O'donnell

Good question, I can't tell you for sure. There are many causes for migraines and much different severity and frequency of them as well, so it really depends on the cause, how you respond, the acupuncturist, and, heck, is there a big storm about to hit? (My migraines can be triggered by weather shifts) After the first treatment, you should feel more relaxed and sleep well that evening, usually, after 3 you will have a good idea of the effect on your migraines. Reduction in frequency is generally the first place you will see results. I hope you feel better and stay hydrated!

There is no way to guarantee that there will be no pain, but if a needle does hurt it should be adjusted or removed so that you are as comfortable as possible. It is common for my patients to fall asleep on the treatment table.

My patients often relax during the treatment itself and then sleep deeply that night. How much beyond the first night after the first patient varies widely from patient to patient and effects do tend to be cumulative. Good luck!

Yes, acupuncture can cause pain, palpation of tender spots and tight muscles can be painful, while not terribly common, the needles going through the skin can be painful. Talking with your acupuncturist and communicating when things are uncomfortable is important, this will
minimize the pain it causes, but there is no way to guarantee that there will be no pain.

In general, no. Fever, body aches, and coughing are not common side effects of acupuncture.

You should drink enough water to be properly hydrated.

I would call the acupuncturist that treated you and see what they think. If you are not satisfied with their response you can always bring it up to your doctor as well.

No, you need to go see your doctor. Pneumonia can kill and needs to be treated appropriately and fairly quickly.

Considering what can cause high creatinine levels this is something you
should work with your doctor on.

This is a big question. Where is the pain, what is causing the pain, how long has it been there? For most pain conditions acupuncture works for a least a little bit of time but that is a very unsatisfactory answer so I'll give you some examples from my own practice. Arthritis (particularly of the knee) responds very well and allows for much more activity to a point, most of my knee arthritis patients have been putting off surgery for replacement and there is a point where the joint is just done. Acupuncture can really help with post-surgical swelling and discomfort to make sure they get off on the right foot (or left is that was the replaced joint).
I have treated many patients with hEDS which is a connective tissue disorder causing a lot of pain throughout the body and the pain does come back, no acupuncturist can reverse a connective tissue disorder, but there's a relief for a while.
I've done amazing things with sprained ankles and wrists. Back pain and sciatica are the bread and butter of most acupuncture practices for good reason.
I could not touch the bone pain from cancer in the spine. I could do nothing for an active CRPS flare.
One amazing thing that I am able to do as an acupuncturist treats the whole person and address the mental strain that having chronic pain causes. There is no way to separate out the body from the mind so both must be addressed, particularly for anything with "chronic" as a qualifier.

Ideally, you should start working with someone before you start trying. Working on your health overall will make anything having to do with fertility easier later. For most people they find acupuncture when they've already been trying for a while, so the focus will change from what is best for you overall to what is most likely contributing to any troubles with fertility. I wish you the best of luck for a simple and healthy pregnancy and baby!

It's not ideal, but it also depends on the treatment. if the needles are only in your ears, go ahead no biggie there. If you have deep needling into the glute for sciatic pain, please don't move. Bad plan. However, know that you are not locked in place, you can shift and reposition-your body will let you know if it's an issue. Also, feel free to call your acupuncturist over to you if you do need to get up and move for any reason. This is your treatment and your body and you are in control.

That's an interesting question, I have not seen any patients for this or heard of other acupuncturist treating vitiligo. However, because it's autoimmunity related and acupuncture often helps in autoimmune conditions, it wouldn't make it worse and might help.

No, you should not stop your blood thinners. As long as you aren't having any bleeding issues, it shouldn't be an issue for acupuncture. You'll just be more likely to bruise a bit from it. Enjoy your treatment!

For many people and many conditions, you can see some results quickly. Talk to a local acupuncturist for more information!

That very much depends on what is causing your knee pain, how long you've had it, how you as an individual respond and the acupuncturist you see. If you do not see any change after 3 sessions, try another practitioner, you should be able to see some change after 3.

Generally yes, acupuncture can help a lot with back pain, there are many studies showing great outcomes for treating back pain.

Acupuncture has a very good track record for issues with digestion! It should also help with the stress that can trigger IBS symptoms.
Good Luck!

In general, yes, in your specific case, see an acupuncturist and they can make that determination for you. The only diabetic specific caution is in the use of moxabustion in peripheral neuropathy. A licensed acupuncturist will know this and be able to work around it, we have many more tools than just moxabustion! Acupuncturist can be a very useful adjuctive treatment for diabetes, so enjoy your treatment!

It very much depends on what is causing the headache. Acupuncture is very well known for helping with stress and tension headaches and I know from personal experience that it's also very helpful in reducing the frequency and duration of migraines.