Acupuncture, an ancient medical practice, originated over 2,500 years ago in China and has been gaining popularity in the United States since the 1970s. Still, many Americans don’t understand acupuncture.

What is Acupuncture?

The word “acupuncture” literally means to puncture with a needle, but that isn’t really what it’s about. For starters, the needles used in acupuncture are incredibly slender and do not cause bleeding or pain. They are inserted carefully and painlessly at points along your body’s energy meridians to stimulate the movement of energy (qi) throughout the body, which results in the body healing itself. The needles are left in place for a short period of time, and most people find the experience to be both relaxing and energizing at the same time.

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Types of Acupuncture

The practiced described above is the traditional form of acupuncture, but there are two other types of acupuncture that we find extremely effective. Modern acupuncture is performed using gentle electric stimulation at the acupuncture points where needles would be inserted. Electroacupuncture delivers the same results in a fraction of the time. One last type of acupuncture is microsystem acupuncture, where tiny beads are taped in strategic points on the ear, face, hand or scalp, and the person applies pressure on the beads to stimulate the meridian points throughout the day to get the desired effects.

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How Does Acupuncture Work?

Energy flows throughout your human body along 12 channels, also referred to as meridians or paths, running through your body. We call this energy flow “qi.” These meridians do not follow the exact pathways of muscles, nerves or blood flow, but they do correlate with organs and bodily functions. For example, some acupuncture points, when stimulated, will trigger the release of natural painkillers (endorphins and serotonin) your body can produce on its own, reducing the need for reliance on pharmaceutical painkillers.

Approximately 400 different acupuncture points are available to be stimulated in order to positively affect the many different diseases and disorders acupuncture is used to treat. Explore our blog posts to learn what conditions respond well to acupuncture and to read studies showing the efficacy of acupuncture.

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Interested in Trying Acupuncture in Huntersville?

Make an appointment or stop by to meet Dr. Doyle, a Huntersville acupuncturist. We take all insurance, and we’ll happily answer any questions you may have about acupuncture and holistic health care.