Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, sterile filiform needles into specific locations of the body in order to ease pain, aid healing, and support regulation of the nervous system. Scientific research cites endorphin release and nerve stimulation as central components of Acupuncture’s action. Traditional wisdom teaches us about energy and blood movement, observing a complex anatomy of body systems, noting how Acupuncture can work to move, unblock, and redirect. 

Here’s my stab at a few FAQs. If you have a question not answered here, please reach out.

I’m afraid of needles, should I still try Acupuncture? Yes! The needles used in Acupuncture treatments are absolutely minuscule compared to the ones you’re used to while having blood drawn, or getting a vaccine. I would give it a try, and if you’re still unsure about needles, there are lots of other treatment options including Tuina massage, cupping, and acupressure. 

What will my appointment be like? If this is your first appointment with me, we’ll go through a full health history, followed up by the initial Acupuncture treatment. During follow-ups, there’s a little less talking and more relaxing Acupuncture time. I often incorporate various manual therapies, including tuina, shiatsu, gua sha, and cupping into treatment. I recommend not to come to treatments on an empty stomach, and to wear comfortable clothing.

What does Acupuncture treat? So. Many. Things. As noted in the WHO’s Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials “The therapeutic effects of Acupuncture are [thus] brought about through its regulatory actions on various systems.” Acupuncture can support our bodies in becoming more resilient, letting go of tension, and easing our way out of patterns of pain. I have a general practice and recently I have been seeing a lot of headaches, menstrual disorders, insomnia, and chronic pain. 

If lists are your thing, here’s one from the WHO called “Diseases and disorders that can be treated with acupuncture.”

Musculo-Skeletal

• Arthritis

• Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Muscle Pain

• Muscle Weakness

• Muscle Cramping

• Sciatica

Digestive

• Abdominal Pain

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Indigestion

Gynecological

• Premenstrual Syndrome

• Menopausal Symptoms

• Infertility

Emotional

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Insomnia

• Nervousness

• Neurosis

Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat

• Cataracts

• Poor Vision

• Toothache

• Gingivitis

• Tinnitus

Respiratory

• Asthma, Bronchitis

• Common Cold, Sinusitis

• Smoking Cessation

• Tonsillitis

Neurological

• Headaches

• Migraines

• Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Post-Operative Pain

• Stroke

Miscellaneous

• Addiction Control

• Athletic Performance

• Blood Pressure Regulation

• Chronic Fatigue

• Immune System Toning

• Stress Reduction 

Learn about evidence-based acupuncture.

Sources: Acupuncture: review and analysis of controlled clinical trials, The World Health Organization

Diseases and disorders that can be treated with acupuncture. Extract from Acupuncture: review and analysis of controlled clinical trial. Chapter three. The World Health Organization