Acupuncture basics
I'm an acupuncturist and natural medicine practitioner and here are some of the most common questions I get from patients who are new to acupuncture and interested in trying it for the first time. 1. What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-fine, sterilized, disposable needles into specific areas of the body. 2. How does it work? There is a life force that permeates all the cells that make up the human body. This life force or energy field is called Qi in traditional Asian medicine and is the basis for our well-being and health. If the body's Qi is not efficient...

Acupuncture basics
I'm an acupuncturist and natural medicine practitioner and here are some of the most common questions I get from patients who are new to acupuncture and interested in trying it for the first time.
1. What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-fine, sterilized, disposable needles into specific areas of the body.
2. How does it work?
There is a life force that permeates all the cells that make up the human body. This life force or energy field is called Qi in traditional Asian medicine and is the basis for our well-being and health. When the body's Qi does not flow efficiently or when Qi is deficient, it leads to disharmony, pain and disease. Inserting the needles beneath the surface of the skin activates the circulation of this energy, facilitating the body's return to its natural well-being.
3. What is a typical session like?
An acupuncture session is usually performed while the patient lies comfortably on a massage table. It's similar to a typical spa treatment, with lights dimmed and soft music playing to create a relaxing atmosphere. In most cases, a slight tingling or numbness will be felt when the needles are inserted, but it is not uncommon for people to feel nothing at all. After the needles are placed, the doctor can easily manipulate the needles to create greater sensation and improve the effectiveness of the treatment. The patient is then encouraged to place the body and mind into the meditative state in which the healing benefits are optimized.
4. What are the benefits of this?
Acupuncture is best known for relieving all types of pain. However, it has also been shown to both boost the immune system and downregulate the sympathetic nervous system. This means it can be an effective treatment for any condition caused or exacerbated by stress. The list is long and includes many of the most common diseases.
5. Are there any insider tips about acupuncture that a beginner should know?
The improvement in well-being continues for hours and even days after the session ends, and this effect can be enhanced by subsequent sessions. For this reason, it is recommended that you have 5 or more sessions before deciding whether acupuncture is right for you.