Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for centuries. It’s based on the theory that energy, called chi (say “chee”), flows through and around your body along pathways called meridians.

Acupuncturists believe that illness occurs when something blocks or unbalances your chi. Acupuncture is a way to unblock or influence chi and help it flow back into balance.

Acupuncture is performed by putting very thin needles into your skin at certain points on your body. This is done to influence the energy flow. Sometimes heat, pressure, or mild electrical current is used along with needles.

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Benefits of Acupuncture- 

Acupuncture is performed to treat a wide variety of conditions, including (but not limited to):

  • Dental pain

  • Depression

  • Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines

  • Insomnia

  • Labor pain

  • Low back pain

  • Nausea and Vomiting

  • Neck pain

  • Menstrual cramps

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis

  • Weight Loss Goals

 

A Walk Through of Your Visit

Your acupuncturist will give you an exam, ask questions about your pain, and how well you are functioning overall. 

Then your acupuncturist will look for the places (called points) on your body to access the chi that is blocked or not flowing right. Each of the points relates to certain health problems or body functions.

Your acupuncturist will look for landmarks on your body—using certain muscles or bones, for example—to find the points so that he or she can place the needles. Then, he or she will quickly tap very thin needles into your skin. Several needles will be placed. Some may be placed deeper than others, depending on what the acupuncturist believes is needed to restore the flow of chi.

Every session is different, but in most cases, treatment lasts for 15 minutes to an hour. You may have several visits to complete your treatment. Some people have ongoing visits.

 

What does it feel like?

You may feel slight pressure when a needle goes in. Most people find that it doesn’t hurt. The area may tingle, feel numb, itch, or be a little sore. Providers believe that this is a sign that the energy flow, or chi, has been accessed.

After the needle is placed, your provider may roll the needle slightly back and forth. Or he or she may use heat or electrical current on the needle.