Acupuncture FAQs
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is one of many modalities of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles in points along the body to stimulate Qi and allow the body to restore homeostasis, the body's ability to regulate its own environment and maintain balance. Through this process, the body is better able to recover from illness and maintain overall health.
Qi (pronounced “chi”) is often translated into “life force” or “energy.” In Western terms, you can think of Qi as blood, nutrients, vital substances and oxygen that flow through the vascular system. The stuff that keeps you alive!
What is Qi?
Individual sensitivity varies, but most people report feeling little-to-no impact from acupuncture needles. Acupuncture needles are not the same type of needles used when getting vaccines or other injectable medication. Acupuncture needles are very thin in diameter, ranging from .16-.30mm, which is generally no more (and in some cases, less) than the width of human hair.Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture has been used to treat virtually every condition. This is because acupuncture affects every major physiological system in the body; additionally, acupuncture has been shown to alleviate pain, promote blood flow, reduce the intensity and perception of chronic pain, relax muscles, and reduce stress. This translates into symptom relief to conditions like migraines, allergies, digestive disorders, fertility challenges, irregular or painful cycles, and inflammation.
Acupuncture points have been shown to contain a high concentration of sensory fibers, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and mast cells, linking them to critical gateway points that facilitate healing in the body. This has been documented in eastern medicine structures, and more western-based studies are also proving the effectiveness of acupuncture for specific conditions; for more information, visit: https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scientific-evidence/