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This post was written by Dr. Lauren Warner, DC, MAc, LAc, acupuncturist, PPG – Integrative Medicine.
Acupuncture is an Eastern medicine therapy that aims to prevent and treat specific conditions by inserting very thin needles into different points on the body. Although this ancient technique originated in China roughly 3,000 years ago, it has only become widely popular in the United States over the past 50 years. The growing use of acupuncture can be attributed to patients experiencing meaningful pain relief, as well as modern scientific studies that now demonstrate its efficacy.
Introduction to acupuncture
I always like to explain acupuncture to my patients from both Eastern and Western medical perspectives. The Eastern theory is based on the idea that the body has channels that run throughout it, carrying blood and energy called qi (pronounced “chee”). When something blocks that flow—like a physical injury, stress or illness—it can create stagnation in that flow. That inactivity is believed to lead to physical or emotional symptoms. For example, if someone had knee pain, we would say there was stagnation in that area, and treatment would involve needling points along the channels that pass through the knee to help restore the flow.
Fast forward to today—now that we have modern anatomy and tools like EKGs and MRIs—we can see that the body does have its own “channels.” It’s our nervous system, vasculature and connective tissue. Essentially, when we gently tap the needles into the skin, we’re creating small micro-injuries that increase blood flow and stimulate our body’s natural healing abilities. This results in an anti-inflammatory effect that also relaxes muscle tension and prompts our brain to release pain-relieving chemicals. These physiologic responses are what make acupuncture effective for reducing neck and back pain, headaches, anxiety and many other conditions.
What to expect at your first appointment
During your initial visit, I will review your main concerns and gather information about your sleep, digestion, stress, and other factors to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your case. The acupuncture points selected will depend on your condition and they are chosen using both traditional Eastern point locations and Western anatomical and muscular landmarks.
Once you are comfortable on the massage table and the needles are inserted, the treatment typically lasts 30-60 minutes. I may gently stimulate the needles by tapping on them or connecting them to a TENS unit for electroacupuncture. Many people find acupuncture deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time. The duration and frequency of your treatments will be tailored to your individual condition.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is safe when done by a certified provider. Licensed Acupuncturists (LAc) hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in acupuncture and receive extensive training in anatomy and Clean Needle Technique, as established by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. As required by law, we use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety.
Acupuncture should be avoided under certain circumstances, such as:
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If you have an active infection or fever
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Within seven days after a corticosteroid injection
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Four to six weeks after surgery or until cleared by your surgeon
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Let your provider know if you are pregnant or on blood thinners so they can modify your treatment protocol
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a PPG - Integrative Medicine provider, please call our office at 260-425-5970.
