Acupuncture is a traditional method used to treat various health conditions and relieve symptoms such as pain. An acupuncturist inserts very thin steel needles into the skin at multiple “acupoints.” The needles rebalance your body’s energy, or qi, and prompt your body to release natural healing factors to fight the illness or symptom.

How does acupuncture work?  

Chinese medicine calls the energy that flows through your body qi. Chinese medicine practitioners believe qi disruptions create imbalances in your body’s energy that lead to illness. Some forms of acupuncture aim to rebalance qi with needles that touch acupuncture points (acupoints) throughout your body. There are hundreds of acupoints in your body along 14 major meridians, also called energy-carrying channels.

The needles stimulate your body’s central nervous system and immune system to:

• React to an illness or symptom.
• Rebalance your body.
• Release natural chemicals, such as endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers, and neurotransmitters, chemicals that control nerve impulses.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can help treat many types of health issues. Most often, people use it to relieve chronic (long-term) pain, such as:

• Arthritis.
• Back pain, neck pain or muscle pain.
• Headaches and migraines.
• Knee pain.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Face pain and other nerve discomfort.

Other health conditions acupuncture may help include:

• Cancer and cancer treatment side effects.
• Immune system problems.
• Infertility.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Menopause and hot flashes.
• Pregnancy discomforts.
• Repetitive strain disorders and overuse syndrome.

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

During your first appointment, your acupuncturist will talk to you about your condition. Then, they’ll examine your body for areas that’ll react to acupuncture. Your acupuncturist will tap the needles into points in your skin throughout your body.

The acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable and as thin as a human hair. Your acupuncturist inserts needles at various depths, from a fraction of an inch to a couple of inches.