Acupuncture Procedure - Healthnile.com

Overview

Acupuncture is a practice found in traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners place very thin needles at exact spots called acupuncture points or acupoints on the body. These points are found along pathways called meridians, where practitioners believe energy, or qi, moves through the body.

Some people also use other methods, such as acupressure, cupping, and tui na (a type of Chinese massage), as part of their treatment plan. While Chinese medicine views acupuncture as a way to balance qi, many Western experts think it helps by stimulating nerves and muscles, which may ease pain or help with stress.

Treatment Modalities in Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Treatment	Description
Acupuncture	Needle insertion at acupoints
Acupressure	Pressure applied to acupoints
Cupping	Suction using cups on the skin
Tui Na	Chinese therapeutic massage

Reasons People Seek Acupuncture

People choose acupuncture to help with a range of health problems. Many use it to manage chronic pain such as back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and headaches like migraines. They also seek it for issues like fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, and symptoms from chemotherapy such as nausea and vomiting. Other reasons include:

Reducing inflammation and fatigue.
Managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Helping with addiction and weight loss.
Easing symptoms of asthma and respiratory problems.
Supporting people struggling with fertility and infertility.
Helping with dental pain and joint issues like tennis elbow and osteoarthritis.

Some try acupuncture for neuropathy and as part of pain management plans. It may be combined with other treatments for certain cancers or long-term pain conditions.

Possible Problems

Qualified specialists generally provide acupuncture safely when they use sterile, single-use needles. Some people might feel soreness, small bruises, or light bleeding where the needles enter the skin.

List of Common Issues

Soreness at the needle site.
Minor bleeding or bruising.
Dizziness or fainting.
Rare infections if improper needles are used.

People with a pacemaker should be cautious, since electrical pulses used in some treatments could disrupt how the pacemaker works. Nerve damage rarely occurs, but practitioners can cause it by inserting needles badly or too deeply. Acupuncture is not advised for everyone, and it’s important to share any health conditions with the provider before starting treatment.

Getting Ready

Picking the Right Acupuncture Expert

When choosing an acupuncture provider, people should look for someone with strong training and official certification. In the United States, many states require acupuncturists to pass an exam from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Some choose practitioners who are members of groups like the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) for extra assurance.

It helps to ask friends, family, or a main doctor for recommendations. Patients should also check if the provider is licensed and in good standing. Asking about the practitioner’s education, approach to treatment, and payment details is important. Health insurance may cover some care, so it is smart to check beforehand.

What You Can Expect

What Happens While Receiving Acupuncture

The practitioner selects specific acupuncture points based on the individual’s symptoms, overall health, and medical history. The person usually lies on a padded table and may need to uncover certain areas. A sheet or towel provides comfort and privacy. The environment stays quiet to help with relaxation.

Key Details During the Session

Needle Placement: The practitioner inserts fine, sterile needles into selected points, sometimes far from any area that hurts. Placement is often gentle, and most people barely notice the needles going in. The number of acupuncture needles varies, but the practitioner usually uses between 5 and 20.
Needle Adjustments: After placing the needles, the practitioner may move or gently rotate them. In some sessions, the practitioner applies mild heat or an electric impulse to some of the needles.
Waiting Period: The person typically stays still and relaxed as the needles remain in place for about 10 to 15 minutes. This time allows the body to respond to the stimulation. People might feel a light aching, tingling, or warmth where the needle enters, but strong pain is uncommon.

Here is a quick summary:

Step	What Happens
Arrival	Review of symptoms and health history.
Preparation	Lying on a padded table, clothing adjusted if needed.
Needle placement	Very thin needles inserted gently.
Manipulation	Needles may be moved, warmed, or stimulated electrically.
Rest	Needles left in place for 10–15 minutes.
Removal	Needles taken out with little or no discomfort.

Acupuncture sessions are personalized. The number of sessions depends on the medical concern and its severity. For most people, a common plan involves weekly appointments over several weeks.

What to Expect When the Session Is Done

After the session, people often report different feelings. Some feel deeply relaxed, while others notice a sense of increased energy. Mild tiredness or lightheadedness can happen, but strong side effects are rare.

A few people may have minor bleeding or bruising where the practitioner placed the needles, although serious problems are very uncommon. Some feel a sense of calm or even mild dizziness for a short time after leaving the clinic.

The body may respond in different ways after treatment. Some people with chronic pain feel immediate relief, while others may require several sessions before seeing a benefit.
People also request acupuncture to help with concerns such as immune system health or symptoms experienced during pregnancy, like nausea.
If symptoms do not improve within a few weeks, the person should talk with their practitioner. In some cases, acupuncture may not be the best choice for everyone.

People should always speak up about any new or severe effects and share any health changes, especially if new symptoms appear between acupuncture sessions.

Findings

Many people report less pain after acupuncture treatments. Some studies show acupuncture may help by increasing endorphins and certain neurotransmitters, which affect how people feel pain. Researchers also suggest acupuncture could lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. The placebo effect might play a role for some patients.

Main Effects of Acupuncture

Effect	Possible Outcome
Endorphins	Reduced pain
Neurotransmitters	Improved nerve activity
Blood pressure	May decrease in some cases
Anti-inflammatory	Lower swelling and discomfort
Placebo effect	Positive results for some individuals