Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that has been used for thousands of years. It is a gentle and effective treatment that sparks your body's innate ability to heal and establish balance. It involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to promote healing, balance energy, and relieve pain.

What is Acupuncture?

How does it work?

Our bodies naturally produce pain-relieving chemicals, anti-inflammatory agents, hormones, and immune boosters. Acupuncture stimulates these processes, allowing the body to heal itself.

Research suggests acupuncture works by simulating the release of endorphins to reduce pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation, regulate hormones, and promote relaxation through nervous system balance.

Acupuncture points are chosen based on how your symptoms fit together as a whole, not just where you feel discomfort. While some points may be placed near an area of pain, many are selected because they influence related systems in the body such as digestion, circulation, hormone balance, and the nervous system. Points are commonly found on the hands, feet, and ears because they contain a high concentration of nerves that have strong connections to the brain.

Acupuncture points are located near nerves, muscles, and connective tissue that send signals to the brain when stimulated. When these signals reach the brain, they help regulate how the body responds to stress, pain, inflammation, digestion, and mood.

Where do you put the needles?

When performed by a licensed and trained practitioner, acupuncture is very safe. Sterile, single-use needles are always used to prevent infection. Side effects are rare and typically mild, such as minor bruising, temporary soreness or a tiny drop of blood at the needle site after removal. It is uncommon but possible to feel lightheaded during treatment, especially if you haven’t eaten beforehand. Rarely, more serious side effects such as nerve injury or organ puncture can occur, but these are extremely uncommon with a properly trained practitioner.

Some patients may feel tired or notice a temporary increase in symptoms after their first treatment. This is a normal response and usually passes within 24 hours. If you have any concerns, your acupuncturist is happy to discuss them with you.

Acupuncture is generally safe for most people. However, those with bleeding disorders, pacemakers, or who are pregnant should inform the practitioner before treatment so appropriate modifications can be made.

Are there any side effects?

Does it hurt?

Most people experience little to no pain and find acupuncture to be very relaxing, with many falling asleep during their treatment. The needles are extremely thin—much finer than those used for injections. Some people feel a quick little prick, mild tingling, warmth, or dull ache at the insertion site, which usually subsides quickly. Sometimes the sensation can travel up or down from the location of the needle or you may feel tiny muscle twitches throughout your body.

Everyone experiences acupuncture differently and your experience can change from treatment to treatment and some points may be more sensitive than others. Let your acupuncturist know if anything feels uncomfortable and that can be fixed with a quick adjustment of the needle.