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Sticking needles into your skin might not sound like a good way to feel better. But that’s exactly how acupuncture works. In fact, the traditional Chinese practice has been used for centuries to treat all sorts of health conditions, and it has been gaining popularity in the U.S.
Here’s how acupuncture works and how it might make you feel.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that’s been around for about 2,500 years. It’s used to help heal illness and improve well-being. This is done by placing needles into specific points on the skin to help activate an energy in the body, called qi (pronounced "chee"). According to traditional Chinese medicine, qi is the life force energy in the body — it helps regulate and move things in the body to keep us well.
Stress, environmental factors, lifestyle behaviors, and genetics are some of the things that can block qi in the body. Acupuncturists use needles to unblock or move qi to other areas in the body to help you heal.
How does acupuncture work?
Some scientists think acupuncture works by activating the brain and nervous system. This can trigger the body to release natural chemicals such as endorphins that help the immune system and affect how nerves communicate. This may help reduce pain and improve physical and emotional health.1
Research also suggests that acupuncture can help regulate automatic body functions such as blood pressure, circulation, and body temperature.2
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is most commonly used for pain management.
On its own or combined with other treatments, acupuncture can be used to help with problems such as:
- Chronic low back pain
- Joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy or when getting chemotherapy treatments
Benefits of acupuncture
Benefits of acupuncture may include:
- Pain relief
- Relaxation of muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Stress relief
- Improved physical and emotional well-being
- Promotion of the body’s own self-healing abilities
- Endorphins
- Decreasing the number of medications needed
What can you expect during an acupuncture session?
The acupuncturist will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They’ll also do an exam — similar to what you’d experience in a doctor visit. In addition, they may look at your tongue. This is a way for them to find any imbalances in your body.
Based on the exam, they’ll select the appropriate points to insert needles. They’ll typically treat what’s bothering you, plus any other underlying conditions that may be connected.
You’ll lie down or sit on a table, and the acupuncturist will put needles into various points on your body, called meridians. These are energy channels in the body. Through thousands of years of learning, traditional Chinese medicine has compiled very complete and complex systems of meridians. The acupuncturist puts needles into those meridians to help regulate and move the body back to homeostasis, or wellness.
Typically, sessions may go for 20 to 30 minutes depending on your treatment. The acupuncturist will usually dim the lights and put on quiet music to help you relax. They’ll come in and check on you throughout your session to make sure you’re comfortable. Some patients actually fall asleep during the treatment.
How do you feel after acupuncture?
People usually feel very relaxed afterward. Some feel more energy. You shouldn’t be in more pain or more anxious.
How quickly does acupuncture work?
Typically, treatment includes 6 to 12 sessions over a 3-month period.3
Sometimes, the effects of acupuncture can be noticed immediately. Other times, it can take several sessions to notice effects.
What kind of needles are used for acupuncture?
Acupuncture needles are solid, stainless steel needles that are usually not much larger than a strand of hair. Acupuncture needles go between tissues, making them less painful than the hollow needles used for vaccines or drawing blood.
Do you feel pain during acupuncture?
You might be more sensitive in certain areas, but it shouldn’t hurt. Acupuncture needles placed into areas with thicker skin or more muscle such as the belly or back are usually not painful. However, certain points like your hands and feet might be more sensitive.
If you feel pain, tell your acupuncturist. They’ll adjust the needles or choose other points. Their goal is not to make you feel pain. They do a lot of work to position you properly and make sure you feel comfortable.
How can you find an acupuncturist?
Look for a licensed acupuncturist. For example, in California they have to go through an extensive education program, followed by a state board licensing exam. And to maintain their license, they must do ongoing continuing education. So, make sure you choose someone who is licensed. Other than that, approach it the same way you would try to choose any other type of doctor — ask friends and family, and look at reviews.
Explore resources to support your health
It’s important to check your benefits to see if acupuncture is part of your plan coverage. You can also help improve your overall well-being through activities like yoga, meditation, stretching, and massage therapy. Learn more about our many health and wellness resources to support your physical and mental health.