How Acupuncture Works: What You Need to Know

Curious about acupuncture and how it can help you?
While modern medical research proves that acupuncture works, the exact mechanism remains a mystery. Studies show that acupuncture:

• Improves circulation

• Increases endorphin production

• Regulates neurotransmitters

• Releases anti-inflammatory compounds

• Activates brain centers responsible for healing

• Blocks pain sensations through the nervous system’s "Gate Control" mechanism

One fascinating theory suggests that acupuncture works through the fascia—connective tissue that may conduct electrical signals due to its crystalline structure. Research is ongoing to fully understand how acupuncture heals the body from the inside out.

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What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-fine needles into specific points on the body to trigger a natural healing response. It’s one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of health that has been practiced for over 2,000 years.

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What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

Unlike Western medicine, which often treats symptoms from the outside-in, acupuncture stimulates your body’s own ability to heal from the inside-out. Our bodies naturally produce anti-inflammatories, pain-relieving compounds like enkephalins, and immune-boosting substances. Many pharmaceutical drugs simply mimic what the body already knows how to create. Acupuncture enhances your natural healing potential safely and effectively.

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Can Acupuncture Help My Condition?

If conventional treatments aren’t working, are causing side effects, or are expensive, acupuncture is definitely worth considering. Based on your condition, medical history, and other treatments you’re receiving, we can estimate how well and how quickly you may respond. Book a complimentary consultation to receive a personalized assessment.

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How Many Acupuncture Treatments Will I Need?

Healing with acupuncture is cumulative—each treatment builds on the previous one.

• For most conditions, we recommend a general structure of 12 treatments, reassessing your progress every visit.

• Our goal is to reach a point where your main complaint has significantly improved or resolved for two consecutive weeks, at which point, we work together to create a plan for maintenance or prevention, based on your needs.

We aim for you to “graduate” from care—not become a lifelong weekly patient—unless you love acupuncture and choose to continue!

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How Frequently ​Should I Book My Sessions?

A large part of how acupuncture works is neuroplasticity—we are re-training your brain and creating new neural networks. The more frequently we can re-establish these networks, the quicker we get results and the fewer sessions are needed overall. Our most successful patients book their sessions at a frequency of 1–3 sessions per week for the initial 2–3 weeks.

If your schedule only allows one visit per week, we can still get results—progress may just be a bit slower. Not all patients need this frequency of visits. Book a complimentary consultation to receive a personalized treatment plan designed to meet your needs.

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Can I book my sessions back-to-back? Monday and Tuesday, for example?

Yes, this is perfectly fine. In hospitals in China, patients often receive acupuncture daily, sometimes even twice per day. Acupuncture is most effective when sessions are scheduled in close succession.

 

How will I feel after my session?

After your acupuncture session, how you feel can vary. Some people feel energized, while others feel both relaxed and energized at the same time. A few may feel sluggish, especially if their body is adjusting from a high-stress state. Acupuncture stimulates healing, which takes internal energy, so it's normal to feel tired initially. Over time, you'll likely notice your energy improving as your body begins to find balance.

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Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Most patients find acupuncture to be comfortable and relaxing.

• We use needles as thin as a strand of hair (much smaller than hypodermic needles).

• You may feel a brief, mild sensation, but it usually fades quickly.

• Many patients feel deeply relaxed and even fall asleep during treatments.

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Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes! When performed by a licensed acupuncturist:

• We use sterile, single-use needles.

• We are certified in Clean Needle Technique by the CCAOM.

• We are trained extensively in anatomy, safety protocols, and proper needling technique.

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Does Acupuncture Rely on the Placebo Effect?

No! Acupuncture produces measurable, physiological effects within the body. Many skeptical patients have experienced excellent results with acupuncture. Although the precise mechanism isn’t fully understood, acupuncture consistently improves health outcomes—even among those who didn’t believe it would work.

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What Training Does an Acupuncturist Have?

Licensed acupuncturists in New Hampshire must:

• Graduate from an NCCAOM-certified program (3–4 years)

• Complete over 1,900 hours of classroom and clinical training

• Pass three national board exams

• Maintain ongoing certification and licensure

You’re in skilled, professional hands when you seek acupuncture treatment.

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Can Acupuncture Treat Multiple Conditions at Once?

Yes!
Traditional Chinese Medicine looks for patterns, not just individual symptoms. Many seemingly unrelated symptoms—like fatigue, low back pain, and urinary problems—may stem from the same imbalance.
We often address several symptoms within the same treatment plan. Book a consultation to discuss how we can help you feel better holistically.

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Can I Get Acupuncture Without Symptoms?

Absolutely.
Preventative care is one of the greatest strengths of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
By detecting imbalances before they develop into symptoms, we can help:

• Improve mood

• Boost immunity

• Prevent injuries

• Support seasonal health

• Promote long-term wellness

In ancient China, doctors were paid to keep patients healthy—not to treat them when sick!

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What Can I Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment?

Your first treatment may include:

• A thorough intake (including tongue and pulse diagnosis)

• Relaxing needle placement

• Possible use of additional therapies like moxibustion or herbal recommendations

• Nutritional and lifestyle guidance

Most sessions last about one hour, but we adjust based on your needs.

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What Is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a traditional therapy using the herb mugwort to stimulate acupuncture points with heat. It’s particularly effective for:

• Reducing inflammation

• Promoting healing

• Enhancing circulation

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What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

TCM is a complete system of medicine that includes:

• Acupuncture

• Chinese herbal medicine

• Nutrition therapy

• Tui Na massage

• Exercise therapy (like Tai Chi and Qi Gong)

All these branches work together to restore balance and enhance your body’s ability to heal itself.

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How Is TCM Nutrition Different?

TCM nutrition focuses on balancing your body’s internal environment.

• Foods are categorized by their energetic properties (e.g., cinnamon is warming; watermelon is cooling).

• Diet recommendations are tailored to your unique needs.

• Instead of elimination diets, we promote gentle additions and sustainable habits.

Optimal digestion is the foundation of lasting health!

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What Are Chinese Herbs?

Chinese herbal formulas:

• Combine multiple herbs that work synergistically to treat the root cause and symptoms

• Use whole plants rather than isolated compounds for safe, effective healing

• Must be high quality—always sourced carefully through a licensed provider

Common Chinese herbs include cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric!

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Why Are Massage and Exercise Important in TCM?

Tui Na massage and therapeutic exercises like stretching or movement therapy:

• Stimulate healing

• Enhance energy flow (Qi)

• Support structural balance

Using multiple healing techniques accelerates results and boosts your wellness journey.

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What Does Tongue Diagnosis Reveal?

Your tongue is a window into your internal health!
We assess:

• Shape

• Color

• Presence of cracks

• Coating

• Moisture

This helps us create a personalized and effective treatment plan.