Acupuncture: A Time-Tested Healing Modality Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a history spanning thousands of years. This holistic therapy involves the insertion of extremely thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body—points known to regulate energy flow, or qi. By stimulating these points, acupuncture helps restore balance and promote the body’s natural healing ability.

People around the world turn to acupuncture for a wide range of health concerns. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, digestive issues, women’s health conditions, emotional imbalances, or long COVID symptoms, acupuncture offers a natural and effective path to recovery.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture is widely known for its ability to relieve pain—from back pain and joint discomfort to migraines and tension headaches. But its reach goes far beyond the physical.

Patients also seek acupuncture for insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It’s used to regulate the digestive system in cases of IBS, IBD, GERD, constipation, and diarrhea. It supports women’s health, offering relief for menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, and menopause symptoms. Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to improve immune function, ease asthma symptoms, support recovery from long COVID, and even help with skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture points are mapped along energetic pathways called meridians, which run throughout the body—from the arms and legs to the torso, head, and face. Each of the 12 main meridians corresponds to an internal organ system. This connection allows acupuncture to address not just localized pain, but internal imbalances as well.

For example, a point on the hand might help with wrist pain while also easing a headache. Similarly, a point on the ankle can be used to support digestive function or calm the nervous system. This dual effect—local and distal—is one of the many reasons acupuncture is so versatile and effective.

In addition to the primary meridians, TCM recognizes a set of deeper energetic pathways known as the Complement Channels. These include the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, Divergent Channels, Luo Channels, and Sinew Channels, which are often used in the treatment of more complex or chronic conditions.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

One of the most common questions new patients have is, “Does acupuncture hurt?”

Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine—much thinner than a hypodermic needle used for injections. Most people feel little to no pain during insertion. Occasionally, there may be a brief, mild pinch, but that sensation typically fades within seconds. Once the needles are in, many patients experience a deep sense of relaxation or even fall asleep during the session.

When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is considered extremely safe. At our clinic, all needles are single-use, sterile, and administered with precision and care.

Different Styles, One Goal: Healing

There are many different acupuncture styles, each with unique diagnostic frameworks and treatment techniques. Some of the most well-known include Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Five Element Acupuncture, Classical Acupuncture, and Toyohari Japanese Acupuncture.

Our practitioners are trained in a variety of lineages and approaches, allowing us to tailor each treatment to the individual. Whether you’re experiencing a short-term issue or navigating a chronic condition, we draw from multiple acupuncture traditions to meet your specific needs.

Your Path to Wellness Begins Here

Today, acupuncture is gaining broader recognition for its ability to not only relieve symptoms but also support long-term wellness and prevent disease. It regulates the nervous system, boosts immunity, relieves pain, improves sleep, enhances digestion, and helps you feel more balanced—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of acupuncture and take the next step on your healing journey, we invite you to schedule a session with one of our experienced, licensed acupuncturists.