Myth 1: Acupuncture hurts — after all, these are needles
Acupuncture needles are so fine and thin — roughly the size of a cat’s whisker. Their tiny diameter is nothing like the larger, hollow needles used for injections or blood draws that can cause discomfort. Their fineness allows virtually pain-free insertion when skillfully placed. Meaning that oftentimes, individuals may not even feel a prick, and when individuals do it can feel like a mosquito bite or small pitch.
Myth 2: Acupuncture is only helpful for pain relief
Many people think acupuncture is only helpful for pain relief, but its benefits extend far beyond that. Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For mental health, it can help reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and improve sleep by calming the nervous system and regulating cortisol levels. It’s also effective for digestive issues like bloating, IBS, and acid reflux, as well as enhancing immune function to combat recurring illnesses.
Women’s health is another area where acupuncture shines, offering support for fertility, regulating menstrual cycles, and easing symptoms of menopause like hot flashes. Additionally, it can benefit those with respiratory conditions such as seasonal allergies or asthma by reducing inflammation and improving airflow. Neurologically, acupuncture is often used to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, alleviate headaches, and even aid in stroke rehabilitation by improving motor function and reducing stiffness.
For those with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or autoimmune disorders, acupuncture can be a valuable tool to reduce inflammation and enhance energy levels. By promoting balance and stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms, acupuncture addresses a wide range of health concerns, proving it is much more than just a pain relief treatment.
Myth 3: Once you start acupuncture, you’ll always need acupuncture
The response to acupuncture is highly individual and depends on several factors, including the nature of the condition, its severity, and the individual’s overall health. For those with acute or minor issues, such as a recent injury or a short-term ailment, results can often be seen quickly—sometimes within one to three treatments. These conditions typically require less intervention because the body’s healing mechanisms are already primed to respond.
On the other hand, chronic or complex conditions often demand a longer course of treatment. Issues like chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, or long-standing digestive problems may take eight to ten treatments or more before significant improvement is noticed. This is because acupuncture’s effects are cumulative, meaning each session builds on the progress of the previous ones. The treatments work to restore balance gradually, addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying imbalances contributing to the condition.
