Acupuncture is a form of traditional medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. While acupuncture has its roots in Chinese medicine, modern research supports its benefits for pain relief, stress reduction, and overall well-being.
How does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is based on the idea that the body has energy, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”), flowing through channels called meridians. When Qi is blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to pain, illness, and stress.
Acupuncture helps by:
• Stimulating the nervous system – Needles placed in key areas send signals to the brain, releasing endorphins (natural painkillers) and serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone).
• Improving blood circulation – This helps bring oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, reducing inflammation and speeding up healing.
• Balancing the body’s energy—Acupuncture restores the body’s natural balance, supports the immune system, and reduces stress.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is widely used for: for:
• Pain Management – Back pain, neck pain, migraines, arthritis, sports injuries (Vickers et al., 2018).
• Mental Health – Anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD (Errington-Evans, 2015).
• Digestive Issues – Acid reflux, bloating, nausea, IBS.
• Women’s Health – Period pain, fertility, pregnancy support, menopause.
• Sleep Disorders – Insomnia, restless sleep, jet lag (Cao et al., 2009).
• Neurological Conditions – Migraines, nerve pain, post-stroke recovery.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session
Diagnosis and Assessment
Your first acupuncture session will start with a consultation. Unlike Western medicine, acupuncture looks at the body as a whole, considering both physical symptoms and lifestyle factors.
• You will be asked about your health history, sleep patterns, digestion, stress levels, and emotional well-being.
• The practitioner may check your pulse and tongue, as these provide clues about your internal health.
• A diagnosis will be made based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, identifying imbalances that need to be corrected.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
The number of treatments depends on the condition being treated. Some people feel relief after 1–2 sessions, while chronic issues may require 6–10 sessions over several weeks. Maintenance treatments can be done monthly or seasonally for long-term benefits.
Take the First Step Towards Better Health!
If you’re looking for natural pain relief, stress reduction, or better sleep, acupuncture may be the answer.
Book an appointment with me today, and let’s work together to improve your health and well-being.
References
• Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., Sherman, K. J., … & Linde, K. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 8(1), e019317.
• Errington-Evans, N. (2015). Acupuncture for anxiety. Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry, 19(2), 24–27.
• Cao, H., Pan, X., Li, H., & Liu, J. (2009). Acupuncture for treatment of insomnia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(11), 1171–1186.
