Does Acupuncture Cause Bleeding?

There is a small risk of minor bleeding with acupuncture, but it is not common. If slight bleeding occurs, it is usually minimal and clots quickly.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid. They are not the same as hollow medical needles used for injections or blood draws. They do not cut the skin. Instead, they gently puncture the surface.

Some people may also experience mild soreness or minor bruising at the needle site. These effects are temporary and usually resolve within a few days.

Before treatment begins, it is important to let your practitioner know about any underlying health conditions or medications you are taking. Bringing an updated list of medications and relevant medical history helps ensure your care is safe and appropriate.

Overall, acupuncture is considered very safe. If you have concerns, discussing them beforehand can help you feel informed and comfortable going into your session.

What should I wear to an acupuncture appointment?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, neck, shoulders, and lower back.

Good options include:

• Loose pants, sweatpants, or shorts
• T-shirts or tops with flexible necklines
• Clothing you can easily roll up or adjust

Comfort helps your body relax and allows your acupuncturist to treat the areas that need care.

What should I avoid wearing to acupuncture?

Try to avoid:

• Tight or restrictive clothing
• High-collared shirts or turtlenecks
• Sports bras that cannot be loosened or unclasped
• Tight sleeves or wrist cuffs
• Heavy jewelry, watches, or rings

These can limit access and make it harder to get comfortable during treatment.

Should I remove jewelry or accessories?

Yes. Removing rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, and large earrings is recommended. Accessories can interfere with treatment or feel uncomfortable when lying down.

Do I need to tie my hair back?

If you have long hair, tying it back is helpful, especially for neck, shoulder, or back treatments. This keeps hair from interfering with needling and positioning.

What kind of shoes should I wear?

Wear shoes that are easy to remove. This allows easy access to the feet or ankles if needed during treatment.

Can I come straight from work or exercise?

You can come straight from work or exercise, but comfort and access are important.

Some work clothes can be restrictive or harder to adjust during treatment. Gym clothing is often fine, as long as it allows easy access and is not overly tight.

If needed, we will give you a few minutes to change before treatment begins so you can be comfortable.

What if I am not sure what to wear?

That is okay. Your acupuncturist will guide you during your visit and help you adjust clothing as needed. You can also call the clinic if you have any other questions. Comfort and ease of movement are always the priority.

Acupuncture uses very thin, solid, spring-loaded stainless steel needles that are single-use and sterile. Unlike medical injection needles, acupuncture needles do not have a cutting edge and do not inject anything into the body. The skin is gently separated rather than cut, which usually results in minimal discomfort during insertion compared to a shot.