What is Acupuncture?​
Acupuncture is a therapy where fine filiform needles are inserted into specific regions known as acupuncture points. These points correlate with bundles of neuromuscular nodes and muscular trigger points. The insertion of an acupuncture needle increases blood circulation by stimulating the immune system, endocrine system, and the nervous system. (1) This stimulation results in an anti inflammatory, analgesic (pain relieving) reaction which can be applied to a wide variety of conditions. The most common and well researched use of acupuncture is for chronic pain management but the clinical use for acupuncture spans beyond just chronic pain. (2) For a complete explanation of how acupuncture works please refer to my blog post Everyday Acupuncture. For a complete list of what acupuncture can help treat please refer to our frequently asked questions page.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office, they won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that are hardly felt when inserted. When the needles are gently stimulated, they may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls deqi. Patients often describe this feeling either as a heavy, achy pressure, or a spreading, traveling feeling. Most patients find acupuncture deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed, both mentally and physically.
