Frequently asked questions

Acupuncture is the insertion of sterile, disposable, single-use needles into the skin in order to increase blood flow to a target area, improve systemic circulation via nitric oxide release, release muscle tension by breaking up trigger points, relieve pain by interrupting feedback loops and releasing endorphins, activate the parasympathetic “rest and digest” nervous system, and regulate the immune system. It is part of a system of medicine originating in China over 3,000 years ago and has been refined through millennia of clinical practice and modern research.

The sensations produced via acupuncture needles can vary from little to no sensation at all to an achy, heavy sensation at the site of the needle that radiates outward. Sensations vary from person to person and based on the location of the point and other factors. Feeling a dull, heavy, achy sensation is a good indication that the point is activated and is doing what it is supposed to do. Few patients report pain, because the needles used are incredibly fine: much, much thinner than a hypodermic needle used to draw blood.

Acupuncture is a comprehensive system of medicine capable of treating a wide variety of ailments. A 2003 World Health Organization report identified acupuncture as an effective treatment for dozens of conditions including back, neck and knee pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, TMJ dysfunction, headaches, dysmenorrhea, allergic rhinitis, depression, hypertension, nausea and vomiting, morning sickness, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke recovery, insomnia, female infertility, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, premenstrual syndrome, and many others. The list is non-exhaustive and there has been much more positive research on acupuncture since 2003.

Chinese medicine is the greater philosophical and medical system of which acupuncture is a part. Other Chinese medical modalities include herbal medicine, moxibustion (heat therapy applied at acupuncture points), dietary therapy, qi gong, and tui na (massage). Each modality is a complete system in its own right with particular strengths. Integrative medicine is the practice of bringing these Eastern wisdom-tradition modalities together with our evolving understanding of physiology and modern medical technology in a clinically effective way.

Acupuncture is relatively painless, and the most common negative side effect is bruising or soreness on rare occasions. Because of how acupuncture works on the whole system, patients often report improvements in many other symptoms in addition to their main complaint. Common positive “side effects” include improved sleep and digestion, pain relief at multiple sites of the body, reduced stress and greater emotional balance.