Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses very thin needles inserted through the skin at specific points on the body. The treatment stimulates the nervous system to reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being.
About Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It's also commonly used alongside Western medical treatment for specific conditions.
Each person responds differently to acupuncture. Some people may feel:
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Better right away or within a few hours
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No change at all
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Temporary increased pain that usually resolves in 1 to 2 days
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More energy
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Deep relaxation
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Temporary fatigue
It usually takes about 3 to 4 sessions to know if acupuncture is helping you. To get the best results, be sure to attend all your scheduled appointments.
While acupuncture is a generally safe, drug-free way to ease your symptoms, it’s often most effective when used with other approaches for pain or nausea.
Resources
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Acupuncture: What You Need to Know (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)
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Find a Practitioner (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine)
Kaiser Permanente Members
A clear diagnosis is needed before treatment and a referral is required. Acupuncture alone is less likely to be effective in relieving severe pain, so it is used along with other self-care programs such as physical therapy, exercise, pain management, acupressure, etc. Learn more.
