Understanding Acupuncture

When people think of acupuncture, the first things that often come to mind are “needles” and “pain.” While it’s true that acupuncture primarily uses needles, there are other techniques, such as cupping, that do not involve needles. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly small and thin—not much thicker than a strand of hair. The technique I use ensures that the procedure is almost or completely painless. Some people may feel a brief sensation similar to a “mosquito bite” when the needle is inserted, but the treatment quickly becomes comfortable. Many clients even fall asleep during their session because they feel so relaxed!

Our bodies have energy pathways that run throughout, connecting the surface of the skin to the muscles and internal organs. For optimal health, the energy in these pathways must flow smoothly and without disruption. When energy becomes blocked, excessive, deficient, or flows in the wrong direction, it can lead to various symptoms. For example, blocked energy after an injury may result in pain, while misdirected energy to the lungs can cause coughing. By gently inserting needles into specific points just below the surface of the skin, acupuncture helps restore the proper flow of energy, alleviating symptoms and promoting balance.

Acupuncture is a versatile therapy that can address a wide range of conditions. It is highly effective for pain management, including headaches, migraines, stomachaches, joint pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, and back, shoulder, or neck pain. However, its benefits extend beyond pain relief. Acupuncture can support menstrual health, fertility, circulation, and respiratory conditions such as colds, asthma, and bronchitis. It is also helpful for digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, Crohn’s disease, colitis, and nausea, as well as urinary problems, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and stress management. If you’re unsure whether acupuncture is right for you, feel free to reach out for more information.

For those who are uneasy about needles but want to explore alternative treatments, there are several non-needle techniques that can be beneficial. Gua sha is a method that involves press-stroking the skin to raise redness, akin to a large “hickey.” This technique draws blood to the surface painlessly, activating anti-inflammatory compounds during the body’s reabsorption process. Gua sha can effectively reduce pain and inflammation for muscle-related issues as well as internal disorders such as fatty liver, chronic Hepatitis B, asthma, and emphysema. Similarly, cupping uses suction cups to achieve similar results, promoting circulation and healing.

Children can also benefit from acupuncture. For younger clients, especially those under the age of six, there is a technique called Shonishin. This gentle approach does not involve needles and instead uses light tapping or stroking along energy pathways to regulate energy flow. It is a safe and effective way to support children’s health and well-being.