FAQ

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Acupuncture is a subset of Traditional Chinese Medicine and helped stimulate nerve and circulatory functions in the body.

Some patients might be more sensitive in certain areas, but acupuncture should not be painful.  Acupuncture needles very thin and not hallow. Acupuncture needles enter the skin shallowly and do not cut the tissue as they enter. For example, the belly and back areas are less sensitive where the hands might be slightly more sensitive.

If something is uncomfortable tell your acupuncturist. They’ll adjust the needles or choose other points. The goal if acupuncture is not to make you feel pain.

When most people think of needles, they think of ones that are used for vaccines or drawing blood. These hollow needles have to puncture the skin — and can be painful. These needles puncture the skin as they enter.

Acupuncture needles are single use, solid, stainless steel needles that are usually not much larger than a strand of hair. Acupuncture needles go between tissues, making them less painful compared to a hypodermic needle. .

Traditionally in China and in the East acupuncture is used to treat everything. It’s not thought of as an alternative medicine. For most people there, it’s just a common part of their medical care. For example, in China, acupuncture is often used as a complementary treatment for all sorts of health conditions, everything from asthma to diabetes.

In the West, however, acupuncture is more commonly used as part of a care plan for conditions like chronic low back pain or joint pain. It’s also used to treat gastrointestinal issues amongst other things.

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 acupuncture points. These specific points lye on lines in the body called acupuncture channels. Through thousands of years of learning, traditional Chinese medicine has compiled very complete and complex systems of meridians/ acupuncture channels. 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.

Look for a licensed acupuncturist. For example, in most states in the United States acupuncturists are required to be accredited with the NCCAOM and their state board. Some states such as California and Florida have their own accrediting organizations.  In order for a Licensed Acupuncturist to practice legally in most states they have to be accredited with the overseeing organization like the NCCAOM and hold a professional license with their state. Professional licenses are usually issued through the department of labor or the state medical board.   In order to stay licensed all licensed Acupuncturists “L.Ac” must continue to engage in Continuing Education and submit credits to the NCCAOM to maintain their licenses. . When you are looking for a licensed acupuncturist the easiest way to check their credentialing and professional standing is to visit the NCCAOM.org . Outside of checking credentials online, google reviews are always a good indicator of the acupuncturists standing in the community.