Acupuncture for stress?

[Kittykat7]

My Dr has referred me to help with my stress levels. I also suffer with PMS, depression & headaches. Does anyone know what I can expect? How long is a session & are there any side effects?

I have this regularly and it is wonderful. You are so lucky to be referred.
First the acupuncturist will ask a lot of questions about what you are hoping to gain. She will take your pulse in both wrists and may look at your tongue. Then if he/she is like mine she will explain what she is going to do amd where she will place the needles.
The needles are very very fine and only go just into the skin. She asks you to breathe in as she places each needle, asks if you felt it and if you did she asks you to breathe out as she removes it. You feel a little tingle.
Some of the stress treatments involve leaving the needles in for 15/20 minutes while you just relax.
Afterwards I usually feel quite drowsy at first and very relaxed but no problem driving. I then lie down or relax in a chair at home. I usually sleep really well that night and the positive effects continue for several days.
Acupuncture is lovely :)
It has helped my asthma too.

Thanks I am in Australia. It's my Drs dad that works at his practice. He doesn't use needles. He has engiberred

He has created a device using a laser probe instead of using needles. He is very experienced. I pay 1/2 the cost of the treatment & the rest is covered by our healthcare.