Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective: Acupuncture is based on a system of energetic organs and channels (called Qi or Chi) that run throughout the body. These channels, known as meridians, have specific qualities and functions. Acupuncture points are places where these channels are accessible near the surface of the body. A helpful analogy is a river: - When the flow is weak or depleted, we see deficiency, which can cause fatigue or weakness. - When the flow is blocked or excessive, we see stagnation, which often causes pain. Each acupuncture point works both individually and in combination with others. Learning this system takes years of dedicated study, which explains why a fully trained TCM practitioner, familiar with nearly 1,000 points, can achieve better results than a doctor or physical therapist who took a brief course. Some points align closely with Western anatomy, such as locations at neuromuscular junctions that affect nerve signaling. Others are explained through TCM principles — for example, using a Water point to calm excess Fire (heat or inflammation). Some effects are still not fully understood, such as a point on the lower leg that reliably relieves pain in the opposite shoulder. While we may not yet understand every mechanism, thousands of years of clinical use have proven acupuncture to be a powerful and effective medical system. From a Western medical perspective: The needles create a very small, controlled micro-trauma that stimulates the body’s healing response. This is particularly helpful for chronic issues, as it helps “reopen the cold case” for conditions the body has stopped responding to. Some points influence how nerves communicate with muscles. Others help reset nerve signaling — similar to rebooting a computer — or redirect pain signals. Acupuncture also plays a role in moderating inflammation, reducing swelling, and improving circulation.