Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional healing practice that originated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) more than 2,000 years ago. It involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Today, acupuncture is recognized and practiced globally, both as a complementary and alternative therapy to treat various health conditions.

The core philosophy behind acupuncture is to balance the body’s Qi (pronounced “chee”)—the life force or energy that flows through meridians, or energy pathways. When Qi is blocked or imbalanced, illness, pain, or emotional disturbances may occur. By stimulating particular acupoints, acupuncture aims to restore the smooth flow of energy, thereby promoting overall wellness.

How Acupuncture Works

While rooted in traditional beliefs, acupuncture has also been studied from a biomedical perspective. Modern research suggests that acupuncture may work by:

  • Stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, which may increase blood flow and activate the body’s natural painkillers.

  • Triggering the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which help reduce pain and elevate mood.

  • Influencing the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol (the stress hormone).

  • Modulating immune system responses, which may help reduce inflammation.

Conditions Treated with Acupuncture

Pain Management

  • Chronic lower back pain

  • Osteoarthritis and knee pain

  • Neck pain

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Sciatica

  • Fibromyalgia

Neurological & Muscular Conditions

  • Bell’s palsy

  • Stroke rehabilitation

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Facial pain

What to Expect in an Acupuncture Session

A typical acupuncture session begins with a comprehensive consultation. The practitioner will assess your symptoms, medical history, tongue appearance, and pulse (a common TCM diagnostic method). Based on this, they will identify which meridians are affected and choose the appropriate acupoints.

Key points about the treatment:

  • Needles are extremely thin, about the width of a human hair.

  • Most people feel little to no pain upon insertion; a mild tingling or dull ache is normal.

  • Needles remain in place for about 15–30 minutes.

  • Some people report immediate relief, while others may require several sessions for noticeable improvement.

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