Introduction to Acupuncture

What is acupuncture, and how does it work? 

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points are connected to pathways of Qi, or life energy, which flows through the body. 

Health issues arise when the flow of Qi is disrupted or imbalanced due to factors such as stress, trauma, or other environmental influences. By targeting these specific points, acupuncture aims to restore the normal flow of Qi and address various health issues. 

The points chosen for needle insertion are strategically placed along meridians, or energy pathways, which correspond to different organs and systems in the body. 

From a biomedicine perspective, the benefits of acupuncture are attributed to its effects on the nervous system. The needle insertion stimulates sensory nerves, which can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, as well as other neurotransmitters and hormones that promote healing and well-being. This stimulation can lead to reduced pain, improved circulation, and enhanced immune response.

Acupuncture has been shown to improve blood flow, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to tissues and aids in the removal of metabolic waste products. This can enhance overall bodily function and support recovery from injuries or illness. Acupuncture may help regulate the body’s stress response by influencing the release of stress hormones and promoting relaxation, which contributes to overall health and well-being. 

Acupuncture offers a multifaceted approach to health by integrating traditional practices with modern scientific understanding, providing a holistic method for managing pain, enhancing recovery, and improving overall quality of life.

What is the difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture? 

Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles to help with pain and tension, but they come from different traditions. Acupuncture is used for many conditions, from pain to digestion or stress, and takes a holistic view of your health.

Dry needling is based on biomedicine and targets specific tight spots in muscles called trigger points. It’s mostly used to relieve muscle pain and improve movement.

The main difference is how points are chosen: acupuncture uses an energetic system to address overall balance that may include needling trigger points, while dry needling focuses on solely anatomy and muscle problems. Both can overlap, but acupuncture takes a broader approach, while dry needling is more focused on specific physical issues.

In short, we do dry needling all the time in acupuncture, we just don’t call it that. We call it trigger point needling, and we usually use it in conjunction with points selected to help your whole body heal. 

First Visit Questions

What should I know before my first visit?

Your first visit at our Seattle clinic includes a comprehensive health consultation lasting 60-90 minutes. Acupuncture is a whole-body medicine, and we want to understand, truly from head to toe, what your body’s functions are like. This information helps us to understand the entire picture of your issue and helps to identify the underlying cause of symptoms so that we can treat them.

After discussion, we will feel your pulses in 3 places (and at three depths) on each wrist. We will also ask to see your tongue, which might seem strange but can give us some clues as to what is happening internally: the tongue’s color, coating, and shape all give clues to your body’s unique internal functions. Don’t scrape it off before your visit, pretty please. We won’t judge.

After we work to understand you and your experiences thoroughly, we will have you relax on one of our tables, which can be heated if you find that comfortable. We will likely choose fewer needles for first-time acupuncture patients, and we will insert the needles and allow you to rest on the table with the needles inserted. Near the end of the visit, we will remove the needles, possibly adding bodywork, and send you to into the world feeling relaxed but alert.

How should I prepare for my acupuncture appointment? 

• Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before your visit
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Bring a list of medications and supplements
• Arrive 10 minutes early for paperwork

Does Acupuncture hurt? 

Most patients find acupuncture surprisingly comfortable! The needles are hair-thin—much smaller than injection needles. You may feel a slight pinch during insertion, followed by sensations like warmth, tingling, or mild pressure. Many patients find treatments so relaxing they fall asleep during sessions at our Seattle clinic.

Will I get lots of needles? 

Additionally, acupuncture works by gently encouraging the body to restore balance and regulate itself. Using too many needles can overwhelm the body’s systems, potentially causing fatigue or discomfort instead of healing. A skilled practitioner aims to achieve maximum benefit with the minimum necessary intervention, allowing the body to respond naturally.

Ultimately, acupuncture is about precision and balance, not excess. Fewer needles, thoughtfully chosen, often lead to a more powerful and harmonious healing response.

In acupuncture, more needles do not necessarily lead to better results. The effectiveness of treatment comes from selecting the right points based on a thoughtful diagnosis, not just the quantity of needles used. Each point has a specific purpose, and overloading the body with too many needles can dilute the focus of the treatment, making it less effective.

Treatment Questions

How many acupuncture treatments will I need? 

Treatment frequency varies by condition and individual response. Acute conditions may improve in 3-6 visits, while chronic issues typically need 8-12 sessions. We’ll assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Many Seattle patients visit weekly initially, then transition to monthly maintenance.

What conditions does acupuncture treat? 

Acupuncture effectively treats:

• Pain (back, neck, knee, headaches, arthritis)
• Stress, anxiety, and depression
• Digestive issues
• Fertility and women’s health
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Allergies and immune support
• Sports injuries

How long is each session? 

• Acupuncture First visits & Re-evaluations: 60-90 minutes
• Acupuncture Follow-up treatments: 45-70 minutes
• Community acupuncture: 45 – 60 minutes
• Herbal Medicine First visits: 45 minutes
• Herbal Medicine Follow-up treatments: 20 minutes