If you're new to acupuncture, you probably have a lot of questions. How does it work? What can it help with? And most importantly—will it work for you?
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing abilities. But modern science is also catching up, offering new insights into how and why this ancient practice is so effective.
So, let’s dive in and explore how acupuncture works and how it might be able to help you.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a natural, hands-on approach to health. It involves placing fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to help improve circulation, ease tension, and restore balance.
In TCM, we talk about Qi (pronounced chee), which is the body’s vital energy. Qi flows through pathways called meridians, and when it moves freely, we feel good—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But if Qi gets stuck or imbalanced, we can experience pain, stress, or illness.
Think of it like a garden hose. If water flows smoothly, your plants thrive. But if the hose gets kinked or blocked, the water can’t get through, and your plants start to wilt. Acupuncture works by gently "unkinking the hose," allowing Qi to flow freely again, so your body can heal naturally.
What Does Science Say About Acupuncture?
For a long time, Western medicine couldn’t quite explain how acupuncture worked. But now, research is providing some fascinating answers.
Pain Relief – Harvard research shows that acupuncture helps the body release endorphins, its natural painkillers, while also influencing serotonin levels in the brain—chemicals that play a key role in mood and pain regulation. This explains why acupuncture is so effective for chronic pain, headaches, and even emotional well-being. (Harvard Health)
Reducing Inflammation – A growing body of research shows that acupuncture can calm the immune system and reduce inflammation. A study published by Yo San University highlights how acupuncture stimulates the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in lowering inflammation and regulating the body’s stress response. (Yo San University)
Stress & Relaxation – Ever feel like you’re stuck in "fight or flight" mode? Acupuncture has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the body into "rest and digest" mode. This helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall mental clarity.
What Happens During a Session?
If you’ve never had acupuncture before, you might be wondering what to expect. It’s actually a very relaxing experience!
I’ll start by asking about your health, lifestyle, and any concerns you’d like to address. Then, I use palpation—a hands-on approach—to find areas of tension, discomfort, or imbalance. A key part of my practice is abdominal palpation, which helps map out where your body needs support. I also check your skin temperature, tongue, and pulses, which provide important clues about your overall health and how your energy is flowing.
Once we’ve identified what’s going on, I gently place the needles at specific points. Many people feel a deep sense of relaxation, and sometimes, even a shift in their symptoms right away.
Why Try Acupuncture?
Acupuncture isn’t just about symptom relief—it’s about treating the root cause. Whether you're dealing with pain, stress, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances, the goal is to bring your body back into a state of balance so it can heal itself.
And the best part? You’ll feel supported every step of the way.
If you’re curious about how acupuncture can help you, feel free to reach out. I’d love to chat and answer any questions you have!
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