Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice rooted in East Asian Medicine. The most commonly practiced style in the United States is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Although it has been used for thousands of years, many people today still have questions about how it works and what it can do. Below, I hope to answer some of the most common questions Americans have about acupuncture and its related modalities.
What Is Acupuncture, and How Does It Work?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body to promote the body’s own natural intelligence in healing. These points are part of a network of pathways called meridians, which facilitate the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy. By stimulating these points, acupuncture helps restore balance to the body, alleviating pain and improving overall health.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is widely recognized for its ability to treat pain, including back pain, headaches, and arthritis. It is a complete system of internal medicine. It is very effective at treating fertility and supporting women in having a healthy and regular menstrual cycle. It can be used for dermatological conditions, neurological, head, ear, eye, nose and throat symptoms. Along with stress management, digestive disorders, sleep issues, other hormonal imbalances and more.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Most people find acupuncture to be relaxing. The needles are very thin, and while you might feel a slight pinch or tingling sensation when they’re inserted, the experience is generally painless. Some people even fall asleep during their session.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments varies depending on the condition being addressed, how long you have shown symptoms, the severity of the condition and if you are willing to take an active part in your care. Some people feel relief after just one session, while others may require multiple visits over weeks or months for optimal results.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes, acupuncture is safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Side effects are uncommon but may include slight soreness or bruising at the needle sites. Most patients leave feeling relaxed after their appointment. Some patients may feel tired after their appointment. If this is the case, let your acupuncturist know and they can adjust their treatment approach.
How Does Acupuncture Fit with Western Medicine?
Acupuncture complements Western medicine and is often used alongside conventional treatments. For example, it’s commonly integrated into pain management plans and used to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as nausea and fatigue.
Before someone gets orthopedic surgery acupuncture can be used to strengthen and help to make the tissue as healthy as possible for best surgical outcome. It can also be used after surgery to reduce pain, inflammation and promote healing of the structures that do not get as much blood flow as the muscles do such as tendons and ligaments. With this it can help with patient compliance of physical therapy after surgery for better results. After the scar is healed it can help to break up and reduce scar tissue as this can cause lingering pain and decreased range of motion.
It can also be used concurrent with taking medications that are necessary but may be causing unwanted side effects. This will help the patient compliance in taking their pharmaceuticals. If a patient is wanting to get off of a medication, with their doctor’s approval, acupuncture can help to bring the body back into balance. For example, it takes about 4 months to 1 year to get someone off a proton pump inhibitor, and to clear their acid reflux symptoms using acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Why Does Acupuncture Work?
Scientific research suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, releases endorphins, and improves blood flow. It also interacts with the fascia—the connective tissue network in the body—to release tension and promote healing.
Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, addressing not just symptoms but the root causes of imbalances. With its growing acceptance and integration into modern healthcare, acupuncture is helping people worldwide achieve better health and well-being.
If you have been wanting to give acupuncture a try, but still have more questions on how it can help your specific condition, give our office a call and set up a complimentary 15 minute discovery call today.
